Not our Father's Germany

This made some waves, and I wish I could post the photo that came with the message.
This was when Germany was helping us out, before they became sissified.

This is an e-mail from an Ensign stationed aboard the USS Winston
Churchill...

Dear Dad, Well, we are still out at sea, with little direction as to what our next priority is. The remainder of our port visits, which were to be centered around max liberty and goodwill to the United Kingdom, have all but been canceled. We have spent every day since the attacks going back and forth within imaginary boxes drawn in the ocean, standing high-security watches, and trying to make the best of our time. It hasn't been that fun I must confess, and to be even more honest, a lot of people are frustrated at the fact that they either can't be home, or we don't have more direction right now. We have seen the articles and the photographs, and they are sickening. Being isolated as we are, I don't think we appreciate the full scope of what is happening back home, but we are definitely feeling the effects.

About two hours ago the junior officers were called to the bridge to conduct
Shiphandling drills. We were about to do a man overboard when we got a call
from the LUTJENS(D185), a German warship that was moored ahead of us on the
pier in Plymouth, England. While in port, the WINSTON S CHURCHILL and the
LUTJENS got together for a sports day/cookout on our fantail, and we made
some pretty good friends.

Now at sea they called over on bridge-to-bridge, requesting to pass us close
up on our port side, to say good-bye. We prepared to render them honors on
the bridgewing, and the Captain told the crew to come topside to wish them
farewell. As they were making their approach, our Conning Officer announced
through her binoculars that they were flying an American flag.

As they came even closer, we saw that it was flying at half-mast. The bridge
wing was crowded
with people as the Boatswain's Mate blew two whistles-Attention to Port-the
ship came up
alongside and we saw that the entire crew of the German ship were manning
the rails, in their dress blues.

They had made up a sign that was displayed on the side that read "We Stand
By You". Needless to say there was not a dry eye on the bridge as they
stayed alongside us for a few minutes and we cut our salutes. It was
probably the most powerful thing I have seen in my entire life and more than
a few of us fought to retain our composure. It was a beautiful day outside
today. We are no longer at liberty to divulge over unsecure e-mail our
location, but we could not have asked for a finer day at sea. The German
Navy did an incredible thing for this crew, and it has truly been the
highest point in the days since the attacks. It's amazing to think that only
a half-century ago things were quite different, and to see the unity that is
being demonstrated throughout Europe and the world makes us all feel proud
to be out here doing our job. After the ship pulled away and we prepared to
begin our man overboard drills the Officer of the Deck turned to me and said
"I'm staying Navy."

I'll write you when I know more about when I'll be home, but for now, this
is probably the best news that I could send you. Love you guys.