Residence — Edgewater, MD (2000)
In late 1999, RADM Steve Israel offered a GS15 position as Director NAVSEA Reserve Program. We moved to this house in Maryland just before Christmas and put Tracey’s home on the market. Long story about this house, so click on the “Read More” below.
NAVSEA Civilian — Director, Reserve Program (2000–2016)
As Director of the Reserve Program at NAVSEA, I was responsible for the coordination between active and 87 reserve units. This long civilian tenure reflected professional expertise and continued commitment to Navy.
Residence - 39 Windwhisper (2001-19)
The house in Edgewater wasn’t cutting it, so we purchased this beauty. While in the city limits of Annapolis, it was on Back Creek and small wildlife reserve. This was a great house to live and raise Tracey’s boys. Easy commute to DC too.
Catalina 36 MkII Purchase (2001)
Annapolis claims to be the Sailing Capital of the World. Buying a sailboat marked the beginning of years of Chesapeake adventures. It was parked within walking distance of our house. It became a symbol of freedom, exploration, and time spent with family on the water.
9/10 and 9/11 2001 - Can’t get outta Dodge
On 9/10 I was with President Bush at WashNavyYard. On 9/11, I was in the air when the Twin Towers were hit. We landed immediately in Dodge City KS and had no way to get out. No planes, no rental cars, no busses. Click to read more.
Ormond Beach Family Vacation (2001)
Now that we were settled in Annapolis, Tracey and I committed to family vacations every year. The first was to Ormond Beach FL. It was one of many coastal getaways that strengthened family bonds. We were serious travellers - so click on travel in the main menu. Many trips with too many photos!
Kate’s High School Graduation (2002)
Kate’s graduation was a proud milestone, celebrating her intelligence, determination, and bright future. It marked the transition into adulthood for my remarkable daughter. It was also bittersweet, acknowledging how much of her life I missed due to divorce.
My Navy Retirement — 36 Years (2003)
Retiring after 36 years of uniformed Navy service (6-enlisted, 30-officer) marked the end of an extraordinary military career. I started at the bottom as Seaman Recruit. It was a moment of pride, reflection, and transition into full civilian life. CAPT-USN-Ret. Awarded the Legion of Merit.
STEW Key West — Navy Reserve (2004)
The Science, Technology, Engineering & Leadership gathering in Key West brought together senior officers for collaboration and learning. It was a blend of professional development and tropical escape. (Yes, we could bring wives at our personal expense.) This was the first of many - on orders from RADM “This will continue until the weather is perfect.”
Puerto Vallarta Family Vacation (2015)
We decided to bring together on vacation the boys and their girlfriends for sun, fun, and family connection. It was one of your most memorable international vacations.
Sweet Adelines Int’l - Calgary 2007
Tracey (not her in the photo) has been singing with Sweet Adelines for years, and her Annapolis group achieves an invite to Calgary. So we make it a family vacation (including Will). Great Canadian City.
ERA 5 GS-15, NAVSEA (2000–2017)
Catalina Factory Tour (2004)
Seeing how our sailboat was built offered a fascinating behind‑the‑scenes look at craftsmanship and engineering. It deepened your appreciation for the vessel we enjoyed so much. Yes, the two happiest days of sailboat ownership: The day you bought and the day you sold.
Outer Banks Vacation (2004)
Taj soon to be enrolled in college, so family vacations would be tougher to schedule. A family trip to the Outer Banks provided beach time, relaxation, and shared adventures. It became part of a long tradition of coastal getaways. I do love the beach!
Las Vegas & Grand Canyon (2004)
This trip to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon blended excitement with natural wonder. It was a memorable adventure shared with Tracey, starting with 115º on arrival in Vegas. Yikes.
Seattle and British Columbia (2005)
Another “extended getaway” after Navy had us in Bremerton for a NAVSEA Commanding Officers gathering. Victoria Island is an amazing place, with moderate winters even for Canada.
Banff Family Vacation (2007)
If you are in Alberta Province, you have to visit the most fantastic scenic park in North America - Banff. Too many photos to count. Definitely Top-1 of family vacations.
Tracey turns 55 (2005)
So, we celebrate with vacations and she fulfills a long-standing goal: Be a Harley Woman with a Custom Fat Boy which we purchased from Derby City (KY) and trailered it back to Annapolis, camping out along the way. Adventure!
Karl & Phyllis Wedding & Reunion (2006)
The CapeMayHessClan is notoriously difficult to gather for a reunion, but weddings & funerals does the trick. Hard to believe this was more than 20-years ago. (Mom & Corky in the background.)
Brahm-Collin Valdictorian (2008)
Brahm told us in 2003 that he intended to be Annapolis HS Valdictorian, we knew he had the IQ, but did he have the dedication to beat out 1400 others in his class? Yep…a semester ahead of schedule. His speech is on YouTube.
San Francisco & Singapore — On the way to Bali (2011)
We joined a small group of 10 others who were making substantial donations to improve educational opportunities for young girls in Bali. 6-hours to SFO, another 14 to Singapore. Bali is very unforgettable — so go if you get the chance.
Tell everyone about Mom and Dad before 1955
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Tell everyone about Mom and Dad before 1955
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Great Sands National Park (2006)
Visiting EVERY US National Park is on my bucket list, and Great Sands is certainly the most unique. I spent many days on beaches in my life, but this place will blow your mind with incredible sand structures as far as you can see.
Taj College Graduation (2009)
Taj attended St Mary’s College of Maryland and his art was considered Best of 2009 commemorated by the purchase of one of his paintings for the college’s permanent collection - the ultimate honor for a SMCM artist.
Extended visit to Bali (2011)
Costa Rica — Carrillo (2006)
Our first trip to Carrillo in Costa Rica brought you into the Guanacaste region’s tropical beauty. It was a memorable international escape filled with warmth and exploration.
Tell everyone about Mom and Dad before 1955
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Hawaii — Big Island & Maui (2009)
We wanted two weeks in Hawaii, so we did Big Island then to Maui for a small Taj and Hollie’s wedding, set against some of Hawaii’s best beaches. It was a joyful family milestone in paradise.