This is me on the USS Alabama last weekend. My Grandpa was stationed on this ship during WWII from May 6, 1944 to November 30, 1945. He came aboard the ship in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and served as a Radioman Third Class.
This ship is massive and impressive. Below deck, the ship’s designers utilized every inch of space: the sailors’ bunks are stacked four high, combat helmets hang from most, and many of the service compartments include bunks too (talk about “work from home!”). Each compartment leads to another logical compartment (uniform shop to the laundry to the pressing room and so on). I cannot imagine learning to navigate the narrow passageways without getting lost! They connect to one another within each deck and also connect vertically from one deck to another. Genius and efficient design, plus brilliant coordination of people made the USS Alabama successful.
I am in awe of the fortitude of my Grandpa and the rest of the crew who served on the Alabama, and all who have served and still serve our country. I thank you all for your service! I am also inspired by the resilience of those at home, like my Grandma who married my Grandpa five months before he shipped out. There are many who have made sacrifices both at home and abroad for our freedom. Thank you.
At Breaking Limits, we talk about fortitude and resilience. It is my mission that we not only talk the talk, but we also walk the walk. During wartime, having fortitude and resilience was not optional. Today, our Breaking Limits culture is built on having fortitude and resilience in working for our partners. We choose to push ourselves, to expect flawless execution, and to never except mediocre. My Grandpa and my visit to his battleship has inspired me to stay the course. It’s amazing what one person with these characteristics can accomplish, but with a plan that is well designed and orchestrated, the sky’s the limit for our team!