Chapter 146

It was well after midnight when we turned in and 0600 when I was drinking the first cup of coffee while reading the reports.

The missile defense sites in Oman and Saudi Arabia had shot down fifteen more Iranian missiles at sunrise this morning that were destined for the anchorage.

Iran was livid, accusing the US of interfering with announced military exercises in international waters. They had demanded we cease all operations and were demanding the UN to censure the United States. Iran refused to accept the UN approval of the international anchorage and terminals in international waters.

The International Shipping and Waters Committee in the UN was demanding that Iran stop military activities in designated shipping channels, waterways and anchorages. The UN had approved the new anchorage in the Arabian Sea and the Saudi oil terminals off the coast of Oman months ago.

There was opposition when the voting took place but the most vocal was Iran vowing there would never be any oil shipped from them.

Oman’s fledgling government was looking forward to the royalties it was going to collect from the pipelines and support business for the tankers. There would also be a thriving port business associated with it. Tugs would be needed to position the ships along with food and sewage services and of course - garbage scows.

The result was another international standoff with Iran that resulted in another round of worthless resolutions. No penalties, no sanctions - just more worthless talk and threats of sanctions.

After breakfast another MTAC was on order with my staff here and in Washington with the Generals. After that was a statement to the media.

The boys had done very well at the classes yesterday. In a way I expected it because they could swim like a fish - much better than I could at that age. Today there was a refresher and some new skills. If all that was successful, this afternoon we would have a family snorkeling trip to the coral beds.

There was also a wreck site made especially for beginning snorkeling enthusiasts. We would go there to tomorrow as a family.

We took the gators and rode the island until the boys needed to go to the class. Then we tanned for the two hours they were in class.

We were waiting for the boys at the pool to finish. There were four flat bottom boats to take us to the coral beds.

An hour later we were slipping off the side of the boat near the coral beds. There were two of us with each boy, just to make sure they didn’t run into problems. Two of us were always in the boat with Takeo and Sara taking turns.

There were three boats with agents to watch over us. There were two Navy Seals on the boats with the agents. There was an underwater photographer. I wasn’t going to allow any photographs but then it would make a great vacation album; one the boys and we could enjoy forever.

Three hours later we were loading back up in the boats. The boys had swam, looked and touched everything they could within their limitations. They were filled with excitement and had hundreds of things they wanted to talk about. At least it was different things to talk about.

They were also exhausted - they had been in or under water almost five hours today. They would really be sore tomorrow.

There was a group at the docks; staff, reporters and family. The reporters were taking pictures and asking questions about how the water was and how the dives went.

The family was there to see us and to see how the boys had fared with their swim.

My staff was there with a handful of notes and folders - things I knew I needed to look at and soon. But first was the family time while the boys were excited telling everyone what they had seen and how much fun they had swimming with the fish and the sunken boats and ships.

I was sure we were going to be going again - possibly several more times - before the trip home. I knew that every time they went their lungs would get stronger and give them the ability to stay down longer.

Everyone finally realized they were thirsty and hungry and headed for the food. I grabbed a quick meal and then went to cottage to sort through all the messages.

One message was from the State Department - the Emir of Nigeria had accepted my offer of the trip to Washington for direct meeting to hold talks.

I sent a lengthy note to Secretary Dean to set up the necessary travel arrangements and accommodations for a state visit. Then he had a list of things I wanted prepared for the meeting and visit.

The Secretary of the Navy’s note was that work was ahead of schedule on the remaining carriers at Newport News Shipbuilding. The Bush and the Eisenhower will both be going to sea trials in three weeks or less. That was good news with the way things are going in the area.

I had four bills from Congress on my desk to read; the final version would be passed by conference committees.

I sent a message to my office to have the legal group write me a layman’s version of each. It was taking me too long to figure out all the legal speak and gibberish that the congressional people wrote into it. I was sure there was a knack to it but I just hadn’t found it yet.

A bonfire on the beach, several cold beers and a warm breeze made the night refreshing. It was announced that it was a party bonfire that all the guests could come and enjoy. Many did; agents, analysts and the staff that had come with me.