On that morning I was returning to my ship in Everett Wa for duty. I had been on leave following our return from a deployment to South America.

I was crossing a river in my car when I heard that the first tower had been hit. I thought it was an accident. Shortly after that I heard of the second and sped up to get to the base a little faster.

Upon my arrival to the ship I was directed to start making preps to get underway with minimal crew because the Pentagon had just been hit!

I reported to radio and made preps there, started calling the kwey people that I could reach to come in.

In short order i was issued body armor and a weapon and ordered topside to provide perimeter defense for the ship pierside. About two hours later we were underway for Elliot Bay in Seattle. We made 28 knots down there, the Washington state Ferries laid to and let us pass, we had .50 cal machine guns manned.

One scary night, very quiet and poised to actually shoot at American aircraft. A real gut-check!