Michael Mitchell
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  • Personal Page

    I make my home in the great state of Texas, USA, and this website is intended to be more than a simple source of information. Its purpose is to create a genuine sense of connection—an opportunity for you to understand not only the work I do, but also the values, experiences, and perspective that shape it. I believe that knowing a little about who someone is and where they come from adds meaning to what they do, and my hope is that as you explore this site, you’ll gain a clearer sense of who I am, the path that brought me here, and what matters most to me.

    Native Texan

    I carry a deep appreciation for the incredible variety this state has to offer. Texas is a place of vast contrasts—rolling Hill Country landscapes, wide-open plains, dense pine forests, desert mountains, and a coastline that stretches for hundreds of miles. Alongside its diverse geography, Texas is also rich in natural resources and cultural traditions, from ranching and farming to the energy industry, from small-town festivals to the fast pace of urban life. Each of these elements has shaped the way I see the world and continues to influence my values and outlook.

    The Journey

    Growing up in Texas gave me a strong foundation, and living in other regions of the United States and abroad broadened my perspective. Those experiences helped me appreciate both what makes Texas unique and the shared threads that connect people everywhere. One of the most defining moments of my life also ties back to Texas: marrying my college sweetheart in the historic Hill Country town of Fredericksburg. That day reminds me of the deep roots and lasting relationships that anchor my life, even as I continue to explore new horizons.

  • Eastern Screech Owls

    My wife and I adore our backyard owls and have been tracking their patterns for many years. We capture images, videos, sounds, and present on these wildcats of the skies whenever we can do so.

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    Baby Owlet

    With all the fluffy coat, this 25 day old owlet is close to leaving the nest.

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    Camera Box

    Most of the time our boxes have one camera inside and one outside.

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    Trying Tech

    We have tried just about every camera and method was can get for reasonable cost.

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    Plain Sight

    Whether this pappa owl is hiding in plain sight it in the eye of the viewer.

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  • Public Speaking

    After completing a rewarding career as both a Naval Officer and a state game warden, I have now settled in Austin, Texas, where I devote much of my time to sharing my passion for the outdoors. My lifelong connection to service and conservation has given me a unique perspective on the natural world, one that I now channel into educating others about the beauty, complexity, and importance of wildlife and wild landscapes. I regularly partner with nature organizations, conservation groups, and community associations not only here in Texas but also across the United States. Whether it is a small gathering of local enthusiasts or a larger statewide or national event, I find great joy in connecting with people who are eager to learn more about the outdoors.

    My approach to speaking is intentionally relaxed and welcoming. I believe education is most meaningful when it feels like a conversation, so I incorporate plenty of interaction and encourage questions and dialogue. Storytelling is at the heart of my presentations—I draw on experiences from my years of service and from time spent in the field to bring concepts to life in a way that is engaging, memorable, and often entertaining.

    ​If you know of a group, organization, or event looking for an approachable and dynamic speaker on topics related to wildlife, conservation, or the natural environment, I would be delighted to connect. Sharing these stories and sparking curiosity about the natural world is not just what I do—it’s what I love.

    I ask for travel and lodging funding for trips greater than a couple hours from my home.

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    Nature Topics

    Laws and ethics for the Lost Pines Texas Master Naturalist chapter while at a historic CCC cabin within Bastrop State Park.

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    Various Layouts

    Discussing ethical choices with an intimate group while in a non traditional setting in Blanco County.

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    National Scale

    Teaching digital marketing strategies at a national conference in Lake Tahoe.

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    Hands On

    Demonstrating owl boxes and cameras during an evening Good Water Master Naturalist session in Georgetown.

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    In the Hat

    Discussing ethical decision making at the Balcones Canyonlands chapter of Texas Master Naturalists at Concordia University outside Austin.

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    Including Advocacy

    Testifying to a Texas Senate committee as to why the bill they were about to pass was a bad bill. It passed anyway.

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  • Life Photographs

    Across dozens of countries and half a dozen careers, I’ve gathered a lifetime of experiences shaped by movement, adaptation, and service. The photographs shown here reflect those journeys, each image offering a story rooted in a particular place, time, and chapter of my life.

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    My Bride

    Married my college sweetheart in Fredericksburg, Texas.

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    Ever Teaching

    Working with conservation law enforcement professionals at the National Conservation Training Center.

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    Final Rank

    I retired as an Assistant Commander Texas Game Warden.

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    Meaningful Experiences

    My most interesting work was with conservation leaders from sub Saharan Africa.

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    Including Judicial

    In one instance I was able to work with members of the Ghanian judicial branch.

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    Award Winning

    While a Texas Game Warden, it was an honor to work with my agency's information technology professionals in house. One year we won mobile app of the year.

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    New Warden

    In 2004 I graduated from the Game Warden Training Academy and was commissioned as a Texas Peace Officer.

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    Tough Assignments

    In one rural central Texas county, I responded to many drowning victim recoveries, including this one in the Little River.

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    Youth Focus

    With the help and members from the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Cameron, Texas, we hosted great annual fishing tournaments.

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    Interesting Morning

    One morning in Port Lavaca, residents were concerned about an American Alligator cruising the local marina. Some days in the Spring, I relocated up to three a day.

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    The Angle

    with the public on the bridge behind me, I safely removed this particular alligator humanely.

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    Live Boarding

    Commercial enforcement is often overlooked in the world of conservation enforcement. Here I climb onto my first shrimp boat in the Guld of Mexico.

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    Massive Movements

    A wild aspect of the job along the coast was discovering lost pure drug cocaine shipments I always feared the public would discover them first and ingest the pure drugs, which would be lethal.

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    Sad Destruction

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, it was amazing to discover what that wind does to the personal belongings of people.

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    Risky Concerns

    In times of natural disaster, people have so many important concerns. It's a terrible thing to witness.

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    Amazing Outcome

    On the Bolivar Peninsula after Hurricane Ike, one house was miraculously spared. Nature brings out an amazing combination of resilience and randomness.

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    Developmental Introspection

    As a field Game Warden on a 10-person strike team on Bolivar after Hurricane Ike, it was really insightful to think about nature, law, and responsibility.

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    Fascinating Contrasts

    As a first responder after a hurricane, I stayed in a strong elementary school for many days. The role was to remove bodies and to protect property from looting.

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    Interagency Cooperation

    Regardless of what's seen on media, agencies cooperate in times of need. In this case, the Texas Department of Transportation operated a ferry in very difficult conditions to bring first responders across Galveston Bay. Kudos to that ferry captain in risking and navigating sandbars which would inevitably moved and presented risk to his vessel.

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    Hidden Risk

    One tool for rural Game Warden work is the ATV. This is a super risky device but served well in some areas of rural Central Texas.

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    Repeating Mission

    An interesting mission was spending some weeks along Lake Amistad. checking for poachers fishing over the international border. Texas Game Wardens have been patrolling in this place for this activity since the early 1990s.

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    Parrie Haynes

    While a cadet, one training site was 4,500+ acre Parrie Haynes Ranch near Killeen. It was good field training.

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    Learning Shooting

    To be a safe and effective Game Warden, one spends a lot of time on a shooting range.

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    Cadet Clasroom

    Around seven months were spent in the cadet classroom, including this day of Glock 40 handgun issuance. The guy over my shoulder ultimately became the Texas Game Warden Colonel.

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    Chute Training

    Since drowning is a leading caase of death for Texas Game Wardens, we trained extensively in swimming and hitting obstacles such as logs.

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    Preventing Death

    In a flooding event, death occurs from hitting obstacles in rushing water. In this training cadets are taught how to react when hitting river obstacles.

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    Zoonotic Diseases

    Even in the early 2000s, I had a concern for the future of zoonotic diseases upon our world. I applied to get superb federal training for free. And it was denied because it cost too much to the agency. I resubmitted the form and eventually got the training at Auburn Universuty.

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    Specimen Room

    The Austin-based training academy had a superb specimrn room of retained evidence. It served as a great place for curiosity. That room still exists in today's training center located in Hamilton, County, Texas.

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    Handcuffing Technique

    Cadet training in Austin included high risk and low risk handcuffing technique, which is more complex than one might think.

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    Red Man

    A memorable day for any training cadet is getting into a red man suit and going into bull in the ring. Deep reflection makes me think this is one of the most important training phases of any police academy.

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    Firing Line

    Several cadets are lined up on firing line. Instructors aee dressed in red. This training facility was in Hays County, Texas.

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    Issued Trucks

    Game Warden cadets see their trucks lined up at the Austin-based training center. Generally they were passdowns from active Game Wardens who had recently received newer trucks. I'll always honor my Columbus, Texas based active warden who turned over a clean and maintained truck in great shape. Then again, I'll always remember getting my first newly issued truck

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    Training Classroom

    At the cadet training center in Austin, a couple of us have downtime in the classroom. The woman behind me is a person whom I hold in great respect.

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    Pepper Spray

    An effective sworn police officer needs to know the effect of pepper spray to the face. So this day I received it.

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    OC Spray

    A training lieutenant sprays OC Spray directly into me face. It has significant eye, skin, and inhalation impact. The lieutenant is a superb person whom I am honored to know during my training and subsequent experience.

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    Dorm Cleaning

    Mopping the floor at the training center in Austin. My primary assigned cleaning duty was cleaning toilets.

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    Rooster Tail

    Looking astern from the fantail of the Spruance-class destroyer USS Fife while she operated at over 40 knots.

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    Sea Sparrow

    Test firing a NATO Sea Sparrow missile from the USS Fife during an exercise. The NATO Sea Sparrow is a ship-launched, short-range surface-to-air missile system designed to defend naval vessels against incoming aircraft and anti-ship missiles.

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    Bahrain Bell

    Naval Destroyer USS Fife as viewed while anchored off Bahrain Ball. “Bahrain Bell” is slang for the waters around Bahrain in the Persian Gulf where ships are on heightened alert due to the persistent risk of missile or small-boat threats.

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    Looking Back

    Rank of Ensign looking back at the USS Fife while off Bahrain Bell.

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    Captain's Gig

    Taking the Captain's gig for a ride while anchored in the Persian Gulf. A captain’s gig is a small boat used to transport a ship’s captain between the vessel and shore or to nearby ships while underway or at anchor.

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    Al Muharraq

    Bahraini Naval Ship Al Manama-class P 51 used for logistics, support and transport roles. It had entered service in 1988.

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    Pancho Villas

    USS Fife wardroom dining at a Mexican restaurant in Bahrain.

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    Ship Tour

    As the ship's public affairs officer, I conducted many shipboard tours.

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    Nun Helmsman

    A Japanese Catholic nun standing behind the helm of destroyer USS Fife.

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    Hard Questions

    Sometimes persons on tour asked very difficult questions, such as how many missiles strayed off course and killed innocent civilians in the Persian Gulf War.

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    First Promotion

    Aboard US Naval Destroyer USS Fife, Commander Dan Vilotti promotes two of us to Lieutenants Junior Grade. Note the oversized Ensign bars I wore at the time, signifying that I was the Bull Ensign.

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    Macau China

    Visiting Macau, a special administrative region of the Peoples Republic of China.

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    Crossing Line

    Preparing a cross the Equator for the first time.

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    Entering Dock

    Destroyer USS Fife enters drydock in Yokosuka, Japan.

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    Ship Propellers

    Five blade variable pitch propellers of destroyer USS Fife in Yokosuka, Japan dry dock.

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    Officer Line

    Several of the Fife's officers line up after inspecting the ship in drydock in Yokosuka, Japan.

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    Desert Visit

    Several naval officers gathered for the day to enjoy the sights of the UAE desert in 1993.

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    Hot Outside

    Relaxing at the Persian Gulf beach after a hot day in the desert in 1993..

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    Vertical Replenishment

    Helicopter bringing supplies to the flight deck of destroyer USS Fife.

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    Underway View

    Looking forward along starboard side of the USS Fife while underway.

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    Beautiful Spices

    Open spice market in a souk in the United Arab Emirates.

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    Down Time

    Relaxing in port with some fellow junior officers.

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    Big Guns

    Our type of destroyers had two automated 127 mm (5-inch) guns. They have covers when not in use

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    Chinese Birds

    Caged birds for sale while walking around a Chinese outdoor marketplace.

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    Hong Kong

    Fantastic city full of unique cuisines, sights, smells, and stores.

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    Star Ferry

    In the Victoria Harbor, this ferry operates between Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui) and Hong Kong Island (Wan Chai).

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    Fantastic Food

    Hong Kong’s food culture dazzles adventurous eaters with unusual and unforgettable flavors that go far beyond classic dim sum and egg tarts. From iconic street snacks with quirky twists to bold traditional Cantonese specialties and cutting-edge modern cuisine, the city offers a palate-expanding journey.

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    Muscat Oman

    Preparing to climb the forward mast of USS Fife while inport Muscat OMan with one of the best ICs around.

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    Roadside Shrine

    Centered on a Jizō statue, this small shrine is seen as a protector of children, travelers, and souls in transition. Jizō (地蔵菩薩) is a Buddhist bodhisattva widely revered in Japan.

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    Friend Visits

    One good friend trekked all the way to Japan for a week to see it for himself, including at this traditional rock garden.

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    Imperial Palace

    At the heart of Tokyo, a serene expanse of moats, stone walls, pine trees, and manicured gardens contrasting sharply with the surrounding modern city. It remains the symbolic residence of the Emperor, blending understated traditional architecture with a strong sense of continuity, restraint, and quiet authority.

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    Mountain Hiking

    With my dear couple of friend and neighbors. Their grace and warmth were unparalleled.

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    Seasons Change

    Quiet mountain snow. Steam curls from hidden hot springs. Hakone breathing.

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    Hakone Steam

    Hakone breathes as the snow falls upon steamy hot springs.

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    Rock Garden

    One of many beautiful rock gardens throughout Japan, this one in Hakone.

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    Hiroshima Bell

    The Hiroshima Peace Bell (広島平和の鐘) stands in Peace Memorial Park as a symbol of hope, reconciliation, and a world without nuclear weapons. Visitors ring the bell to send a quiet, resonant prayer for peace across the city and beyond.

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    Folded Origami

    Folded paper cranes in Hiroshima symbolize peace, remembrance, and the hope for a world without nuclear weapons, inspired by the story of Sadako Sasaki. Thousands of colorful cranes are left each year at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, carrying prayers from around the world.

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    Hiroshima Monument

    The curved stone monument (原爆死没者慰霊碑) at the center of Hiroshima Peace Park is the Cenotaph for the A-bomb Victims, shaped like a protective shelter over a stone chest holding victims’ names. Its arch frames the Peace Flame and the Atomic Bomb Dome beyond, symbolizing remembrance, mourning, and a plea for lasting peace.

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    Izu Gardens

    Izu Shaboten Zoo(伊豆シャボテン動物公園) is a botanical garden on the Izu Peninsula(伊豆半島) famous for its vast collection of cacti and succulents from around the world. Set against volcanic scenery near Mount Omuro(大室山), it blends cultivated landscapes with the relaxed, open feel of coastal Izu(伊豆)..

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    Ryokan HotelSix

    A traditional Hanafubuki Ryokan(花吹雪) in Izu(伊豆) offers tatami-floored rooms, seasonal kaiseki meals, and private open-air hot spring baths nestled among trees. Staying at an Izu ryokan(伊豆旅館) emphasizes quiet hospitality, natural surroundings, and the restorative culture of onsen(温泉).

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    Kita Kamakura

    Kita-Kamakura Station(北鎌倉駅) is a quiet railway stop surrounded by forested hills and historic temples in Kamakura(鎌倉). It serves as a peaceful gateway to sites like Engaku-ji(円覚寺) and Meigetsu-in(明月院), especially beautiful during the hydrangea season.

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    Wishing Luck

    In Jpaan it is popular to write a wish on a small piece of paper and hang it near a shrine.

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    Cherry Blossoms

    Gardens and nature are an important part of Japanese mindfulness.

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    Police Station

    A koban(交番) is a small neighborhood police post where officers assist with directions, lost items, and community safety. Found throughout cities and towns in Japan(日本), the 交番 symbolizes close, everyday cooperation between police(警察)and residents(住民). This is one in Kita Kamakura in 1993.

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    Preparing Carrying

    An omikoshi(御神輿) is a portable shrine carried through the streets during festivals(祭り), believed to transport a deity(神)from the shrine(神社)to bless the community. Lifted and chanted by local residents(氏子), the 御神輿 represents shared spirit(絆)and joyful celebration(祝祭). One is about to begin and myself and my housemate are joining.

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    Watanabe Banquet

    One of the countless banquets enjoyed with our neighbor Watanabe-san and his family.

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    Over Kobe

    As a Lieutenant Junior grade while inpport Kobe, Japan.

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    Kure Visit

    In Kure with fellow junior officers in 1993.

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    Kyoto Visit

    At Kyoto Ryongai in 1993.

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    Naval Anniversary

    Onboard JDS Setogiri on the JMSDF 40th anniversary in October 1994. JDS Setogiri (DD-156) is a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer, part of the Asagiri-class. Like many JMSDF ships, the name is poetic and nature-based, evoking maritime conditions rather than battle imagery.

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    Japanese Engieering

    October 1994 touring Japanese naval destroyer's internal engineering spaces.

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    Awesome Display

    Fortieth anniversary of the Japansese Martime Self Defense Forces.

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    Aboard Setogiri

    Kanji: 瀬戸霧. Meaning: “Mist over the strait”. 瀬戸 (Seto) = strait / narrow sea passage 霧 (Kiri) = mist or fog.

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    Missile Launch

    The JDS Teruzuki, an Asagiri-class destroyer, in October 1994.

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    Origami Cranes

    Folded paper cranes (折り鶴 / orizuru ) matter deeply in Japan because they sit at the crossroads of hope, healing, and peace.

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    Odawara Japan

    Odawara (小田原) is a historic castle town in Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川県), best known for Odawara Castle (小田原城), a major stronghold during the Sengoku period (戦国時代). It also serves as a gateway to Hakone (箱根) and the Izu Peninsula (伊豆半島), where the sea (海) and mountains (山) shape the city’s culture and scenery.

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    Odawara Castle

    Odawara Castle (小田原城) is a historic Japanese castle that served as the stronghold of the Hōjō clan (北条氏) during the Sengoku period (戦国時代). Located in Odawara (小田原), it symbolizes feudal power and today stands as a restored landmark surrounded by stone walls (石垣) and gates (城門).

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    White's Beach

    White Beach Naval Facility—often called White Beach—is a U.S. Navy pier complex on the east coast of Okinawa (沖縄), used for docking and logistics of naval vessels.

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    Japanese Shinkansen

    The Shinkansen (新幹線) is Japan’s high-speed rail system, known for its speed (高速), safety (安全), and punctuality (正確). Connecting major cities (都市) across the country (日本), it represents modern technology (技術) and national pride (誇り).

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    Chinhae Port

    Near a Ticonderoga-class cruiser inport Chinhae, South Korea. Jinhae Port (진해항) is a historic naval harbor on Korea’s south coast, long associated with the Republic of Korea Navy and sheltered, deep waters. Each spring the port and surrounding town bloom with famous cherry blossoms (벚꽃), blending maritime tradition with seasonal beauty.

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    Korean Partners

    Several of our Korean partner ships parked nearby.

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    Conundrum Welcomes

    Sometimes while in Asian countries it is clear where outsiders can and cannot enter.

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    Foreign Navies

    >In my role in the Navy, I often connected with allied foreign navies.

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    Three Ensigns

    Dress whites aboard USS Fife.

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    Miss Harriett

    The family Jack Russell Terrier back in Texas missed me while overseas.

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    Airborne Missile

    NATO Sea Sparrow missile airborne..

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    Awesome Launch

    NATO Sea Sparrow missile launched from USS Fife.

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    Muscat Oman

    Oman was one of my fvaorite countries to visit.

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    Omani Locals

    Our ship commonly conducted joint community relations projects, typically painting schools.

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    Typical Project

    These were typically half day projects trying to help lower income areas.

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    Omani Palace

    MAl Alam Palace (Arabic: قصر العلم Qaṣr al-ʿAlam, "Palace of the Flag") is the ceremonial palace of the Sultan of Oman. It is used for official functions like welcoming foreign dignitaries and heads of state.

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    Desert Golf

    Oman has enough water by combining ancient falaj irrigation systems that efficiently move groundwater with modern seawater desalination plants for drinking water. Strict conservation, groundwater recharge from rare rains, and water reuse help stretch very limited natural supplies.

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    Arabian Souk

    The system of markets and shops is extremely interesting.

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    Working Aloft

    Checking maintenance work being done on the USS Fife's forward mast while inport Oman.

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    Arabian Shoreline

    Enjoying the sights of the Arbian Gulf shoreline during an inport visit.

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    Underway Lieutenant

    Surface Warfare Officer qualified Lieutenant in whites underway.

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    Forward Facing

    Destroyer USS Fife while underway in the western Pacific Ocean. He motto was Successum Merere Conemur 'Endeavor to Deserve Success'.

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    Port Quarter

    Another view of the destroyer underway in the western Pacific Ocean. Her range was 6,000 nmi at 20 knots.

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    Electrical Division

    I was briefly the ship's Electrical Officer. Here's a view inside one of our spaces.

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    Red Carpet

    Preparing to host some foreign national leaders from a country most ships are not allowed to visit. As the ship's public affairs officers, these were particularly busy and complex times.

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    Singapore Gardens

    Gardens by the Bay is a futuristic waterfront garden famous for its Supertree Grove and climate-controlled conservatories, blending cutting-edge design with nature in the heart of the city. It showcases Singapore’s vision of a “City in a Garden” (花园城市), where lush greenery, sustainability, and innovation coexist harmoniously (自然与科技融合).

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    Officer Stateroom

    Typically two or three officers lived together in staterooms.

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    Sunday Picnics

    Our ship typically left its home port in Japan for six month deployments. Sometimes on Sundays, we dressed casually and had a hamburger picnic on the helicopter landing pad.

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    Singapore Visit

    Another visit to Singapore in 1993.

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    Stern View

    Crew relaxing while anchored off Bahrain.

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    Community Relations

    Working with expats while in Thailand at the Banglaming orphanage. Near Pattaya in Chonburi Province, it was operating in 1993 as a government-run child welfare home. At that time, like many Thai orphanages, it relied heavily on local staff, Buddhist charitable traditions, and international volunteers.

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    Cobra Gold

    Visiting with Royal Thai Naval officers in 1994. It was a large-scale U.S.–Thailand joint military exercise held primarily in eastern Thailand (Chonburi, Rayong, and nearby training areas), reinforcing Cold War–era alliances in the early post-Cold-War period.

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    Diving Thailand

    Some days off to go scuba diving with a local guide and ship's supply officer.

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    Underway Replenishment

    Getting fuel during an underway replenishment.

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    Team Work

    Underway replenishment is a particularly intense and challenging operation presenting risk.

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    Painting Anchor

    A boatswain's mate paint's a cruiser's anchor while sitting off Bahrain Bell.

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    Fife's Bow

    Officer and guest touring the ship at the bow. Great place for Mail Buoy Watch!

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    Macau Border

    Portas do Cerco — the historic Border Gate of Macau. Built in 1849, it marked the old land entrance between Portuguese-administered Macau and mainland China; the Latin/Portuguese inscription and flags reflect Macau’s colonial past and its role as a gateway between two worlds.

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    Chinese Temple

    A‑Ma Temple (媽閣廟, Ma Kok Miu) in Macau. The giant spiral incense coils (盤香) hanging from the ceiling.

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    Sonar Done

    Young naval officer in front of USS Fife's sonar dome while she is in drydock in Yokosuka, Japan.

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    Lining Rails

    Ship's crewmembers line the starboard side rails during a port entry.

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    Hong Kong

    Double decker buses in Hong Kong.

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    Hachimangu Shrine

    Hachimangū is a Shinto shrine (神社) dedicated to Hachiman (八幡神), the kami of warriors and protection, often linked with samurai history.

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    Kamakura Shrine

    Kamakura-gū (Kamakura Shrine) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Prince Morinaga, set among quiet forested hills in Kamakura (鎌倉).

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    Moto Hakone

    On the shore of Lake Ashinoko (芦ノ湖), where cedar forests, mountain air, and the still water reflect the sacred landscape of Hakone (箱根).

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    Japanese Gate

    Tsurugaoka Hachimangū in Kamakura. It’s the main approach gate to Kamakura’s most important Shinto shrine, often crowded during cherry-blossom season, with komainu (guardian lion-dogs) flanking the entrance.

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    Unique Perspective

    View from high atop the forward mast od USS Fife. It about 87 feet high.

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    Junior Lieutenant

    Lieutenant Junior Grade onboard prior to becoming Surface Warfare qualified.

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    Sea Sparrow

    NATO Sea Sparrow being launched. This made a great holiday card.

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    Forward Gun

    This unique shot showed her shooting her forward 5-inch / 54-caliber Mk 45 Naval Gun. It fired 16-20 rounds per minutes up to 13 miles.

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    Drydock Nighttime

    Foggy night in Yokosuka, Japan while the ship was in drydock for routine maintenance.

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    Newly Commissioned

    Young Ensign newly commissioned in May 1991.

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    Reenlistment Ceremony

    It was an honor to be requested as the person swearing in an enlisted sailor for a new hitch. I was honored to do this often.

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    Pusan Gathering

    Ship's officers gather inport Pusan, Korea in 1993. Busan (부산) is South Korea’s major port city, known for its busy harbor, 해운대(Haeundae) beaches, and mountain temples.

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    Two Spruances

    Two Spruance class destroyers inport Yokosuka, Japan.

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    Omikoshi Celebrtaion

    Omikoshi(お神輿) is a portable Shinto shrine carried through the streets during festivals, believed to temporarily house a kami(神)so it can visit and bless the community. Lifted and chanted by participants in a matsuri(祭り), the omikoshi symbolizes shared effort, purification(清め), and joy moving through Lita Kamakura.

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    Kita Kamakura

    Kita-Kamakura(北鎌倉) is a quiet temple district just north of Kamakura, known for its Zen temples(禅寺)and forested paths. Sites like Engaku-ji(円覚寺)and Meigetsu-in(明月院)make it especially beautiful during hydrangea season(紫陽花).

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    Samurai Influence

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    Determined Face

    A very determined face from a much younger man.

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    Japanese Academy

    Visting the Imperial Japanese Naval Academy(海軍兵学校), the elite institution training officers for the Japanese Navy, located in Etajima(江田島).

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    Starboard Side

    Looking up the staboard side while in drydock in Yokosuka, Japan.

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    Reenlistment Ceremony

    Reenlistnment ceremony on the bridge of the USS Fife while dressed as Santa Claus in December 1992. This was the reenlistee's request.

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    Best Chief

    I was honored to be placed with the best Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy.

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    Welcoming Dignataries

    Rolling out the red carpet of welcome a foreign dignitary in a Middle Eastern country that few US Navy ships get tp visit.

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    Dress Blues

    Holiday card while in Service Dress Blues while in drydock in Yokosuka, Japan.

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    Trusty Shellback

    A Trusty Shellback is a sailor who has crossed the Equator and been initiated into the ancient naval tradition honoring Neptune and the sea. Earning the title marks camaraderie, endurance, and a shared rite of passage among sailors worldwide.

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    Fabulous Diagram

    If you love technical line drawings, there are many available for Spruance-class destroyers.

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