Hi everyone. Hello. Thanks for coming today. Okay, let's start. Maybe somebody else will come. My name is Irina. I came to you here today from Ukraine, and I believe most of you heard what have been happening in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. And my session today will be about wartime remote work, and the superpower that we as Ukrainians learned while being under unique circumstances. A few words about myself before we start. I am Ukrainian. I came here to you from the city called Mikolayev. It's in the south of Ukraine, not far from the front line, unfortunately. I've been in IT for nine years already. Seven years I've been managing projects, and seven out of these, three out of these seven years I've been working with Drupal projects. And I'm a happy mother of 11 years old son. This is not the last slide of my presentation, but here I would like to say thank you for everyone who came to my session today, just because, frankly speaking, when I got an email that my session got approved, I was a little bit shocked because I thought that this topic might be relevant only to Ukraine. However, I realized that I need to be grateful for this chance to come here, to stay in front of you, and share my story with the community, story of Ukrainian people, because the war is not yet over, again, unfortunately, and this is a good chance to let you know what's happening, and hopefully you'll find it interesting and will hear some important things. And I'd like to start from the quote that the President of Ukraine gave. He said that we Ukrainians are a peaceful nation, but if we remain silent today, we will be gone tomorrow. So I'm really, really grateful for this chance to be here in Peaceburg and, you know, sharing my experience with all of you. Thank you. And before we start, I just want to say that the photos that you will see here on my presentation, they are not intended to shock you or make you feel upset. However, you may find them chilling, and honestly, when I was preparing for this session, I have given this talk many times, but it's still difficult for me to share, and you may find it difficult to hear sometimes. Let's start the agenda for today. So before we can dive deep into the details, I'd like to immerse you a bit into the atmosphere of my morning of February 24 and the first week of work time. Next, we'll dive deep into the company's challenges, support, and lessons learned during work time. Next, I'll share a few stories about our developers from the Drupal community who became volunteers and defenders. Next, I'll talk a bit about the work time remote work practicalities and how they are different from the COVID time remote work. And finally, I'll share some information about the pillars that help Ukrainian teams to support our mental health. So let's go. Imagine the day before, evening of February 23, 2022, you finish your working day. You said, thank you for one more productive day to your colleagues. You had a dinner with your loved ones, and wish good night to your kids. And then, morning of February 24 came. For me, this morning started at 5.20 a.m. I woke up to the sound of actually, what was that? I sent a message, a telegram message to my best friend at 5.30 a.m. in the morning, saying to her that, listen, I woke up to the sound of explosions. At 5.40, I sent a message to my mom because my son was staying at my parents' house that night. I said to her that we probably won't be taking my son to the school this morning.  At 5.50, I opened my working slack, 5.50 a.m., in Ukraine, early morning. And I realized that all my colleagues were already actively discussing ways of evacuation from the city. Worse saying, we have never ever discussed anything at 5.50 a.m. on our working slack. But this time, everybody was there online. Everybody was discussing what to do because to be honest, when you, we felt that something was going to happen, but we couldn't believe that it really would happen. At 6.00 a.m., my partner and I, we started packing our bags. We tried searching for cash and we were trying to get out of the city because my son and my parents, we were staying outside of the city a bit, one kilometer far from the center of the city. In the next four slides, you will see real photos. All of them were provided to me by my colleagues. You will not see pictures there that you might have seen in the news. All of them are real. In the first slide, you see these are emergency suitcases. These are the things that people started packing in the morning of February 24, like me, or some people were trying to get ready for these in advance. So you see there are some suitcases and bags with loved pets. Next slide, this is how the traffic jam looked like in the morning of February 24. Remember, it was early morning. For me, it started at 5.20, but for some people, it started at 4.30, depending on the explosions across the country. And on the left side, you see the photo of the queue. And on the right, this is how our road looked like because most of the people, they were evacuating to the west of Ukraine. But those who were able to go abroad, they were trying, mostly women, because they were trying to save their children and they were moving abroad to another country, mostly Poland. Next slide, these are real photos that my QA engineer shared with me when I asked her to provide some wartime photos that she might find relevant. And this is how her car looks like when they were trying to evacuate with her family.  And the last is wartime damage. Right picture is a hotel slash business center located in my native city. And this is how it currently looks like. And it located in the center of the city. All right, if we try to summarize, you know, some of the actions they were taking during the first week of war, and I was trying to summarize all of them, and we're saying that when the war started, I've been working in another company in FFW agency. And the first thing that I did in the morning when staying in the traffic jam, I sent a message to a global team slack message saying that this morning Russia invaded Ukraine. And if you have any Ukrainian team members working with you on the projects, they, they probably will not be working today. But they do need your support. Next, of course, we informed clients. We released statements that have been shared with all our customers explaining what happened in the morning and trying to predict at least nearest next steps, you know, to ensure that the projects are running as smoothly as it was possible that time. We created a Slack chat that was dedicated to Ukrainian team members support. Everybody was welcome to join this chat because there we were sharing all the news, all the facts, based on the reality that we faced in the morning of February 24. And everybody was able to support or just share some kind words. So that was a space where we can discuss anything related to war and the circumstances that we faced that time. The team members started relocating to safer places. As I mentioned, most of them were located to the west of Ukraine, but some of them were located to another countries.  And we started creating some business continuity plan to ensure that we can keep our operations running. Next, I'd like us to talk about the company's challenges, support and lessons learned during this wartime period. And before we dive deep into the details, I want to share some numbers with you. So there was a report prepared by IT Ukraine Association based on the results of 2022. And the report says that the war has proved to be a real challenge for the IT industry, as all companies have faced problems. And these were all unique problems. However, according to survey, 34% of companies have successfully adapted to the new realities. And more than 43% of IT companies even expected business grows in 2023 based on the results of 2022. And again, we're seeing that nine out of 10 IT companies, they managed to maintain more than 80% of their business process in 2022. In the next slides, I'll cover some actions or things that companies did in order to support us, their employees and support their business for sure. First, companies stayed in touch with the team. You remember I said that we knew we felt that something was going to happen, but we couldn't expect it would happen. However, we had to do some prep for this. And before we started, the most of team members were introduced because the goal was to ensure that we have all contact details up to date. We knew details, contact details of all the team members and their families as well. We had to know how they would be evacuated and what they will be doing in case of emergency. Maybe they have their own car and they don't need help or maybe they don't have a car and they need help from the team members when they decide to evacuate. And we created, as I said before, a communication channel where we could share all the updates, everything around the situation that was happening in February. You know, by doing all of this, I can summarize and say that we knew plans of each other and we were able to support one another because support meant a lot that time. Next, relocation supports. All the companies, I think all the companies because these were all that I knew, they helped with relocation to safer places and they covered the necessary expenses. And here I have some numbers again from that report that I shared before. As a result of the full-scale invasion, 70% of 80 companies conducted an unplanned relocation. 16% of companies conducted a full or partial relocation abroad. 81% of 80 companies in Ukraine that relocated abroad, they still plan to return their business to Ukraine when the war is over. All these items, all these things related to relocation support, they were aimed to ensure that the team members have safe environment and they can continue doing their job and they can continue to be productive. Psychological support. In the company that I'm currently working for, 5JARs, we have informal online team meetings set up, such of them like open mics, happy hour, short 15-minute water cooler talks. All these meetings, they are aimed to get the team together. We can discuss everything in these sessions. We can conduct English lessons that were hosted by one of our team members. We can discuss any tech news, share our pains, challenges, everything. So this kind of a free space where we can just use this one hour to discuss everything that we want. One-on-one meetings with HR, so I'm sure all of you know these two like one-on-one meetings where HR meets with the team members and they can discuss everything, check in, you know, ask how the person is doing, maybe he or she needs help. So this is kind of personal time for developer or everybody who works in IT with the HR manager just to ensure that the people are okay. Some of the companies, they organized meetings with psychologists, they invited specialists who organized sessions to the team members and these sessions were aimed to explain what we as Ukrainians might expect from our head, from our body, as a reaction to the war. Because, you know, when the war started everybody was in shock and we were expecting this to be over in two, three weeks. But when it came to eight months of the war, one year of the war, it is hard, you know, to understand how, what you are actually feeling because you already didn't use, you are still expecting something good to happen and I'm sure it will happen. But your feelings are changing, your body reaction are changing and specialists were trying to explain people what they need to expect from their reactions. And of course 24-7 chat room with the team members and you see photo here on the slide. This is a real photo from one of our open mics at five jars. We had an English lesson conducted by one of my colleagues and for one of the developers electricity got turned off and what he did, he didn't drop off the call. You see he put a candle, moved to mobile and continued listening to the open mic and then he shared this picture in our chat. I decided that it would be a really good fit for this slide. You know, by doing all of this, we are trying to get people feeling that you are not alone. We all go through this challenge and together we can overcome any, any, any difficulties. Next financial support. Companies allocated additional budget to support team members during war time. This additional budget can be streamlined to any purposes. Volunteering, relocation, one-time payment to buy all necessary equipment that you need to continue doing your job. Emergency time off was introduced. This was a special task where team members could log their time for an emergency break without a need to request vacation and use their paid time off. And additional vacation for those team members who requested it and also paid off for all days when the team was not feeling ready to work or were able to work part-time. Companies, by doing all these actions, they try to stabilize the business process and of course take care of their team members. Some numbers, maybe as a support to the previous slide, this is an impact of blackouts. Maybe some of you know that in October 2022, Russia has been carrying out massive missile attacks on energy infrastructure in Ukraine and this led to power outage across the whole country. And IT companies, they had to, you know, to take some measures to stabilize business process because we knew that winter was coming and we had to be ready for this period of time. And under measures, you actually can see the list of them on the graph, but I will just highlight some of them. These were acquisition of generators, using of star links, fuel procurement, purchasing of power banks, transferring data to the cloud, payment for co-working and even adapting offices to the team so they can live there when there were some outage. Next, flexible and careful project management. So I am a project manager and this is something that I was doing and keep doing since 2022. We, SPMs, we knew about the situation with every single member in our team because we had to, you know, to understand what we can expect, where this person is located, whether he or she might appear online or might not. Our daily stand-ups, they got updated. So you know that usually when we start daily meetings with the team, we ask them what you were doing yesterday, do you have any blockers, what are your plans for today? But the first question that we ask our team now during daily stand-up, how are you? Are you staying safe? Do you have electricity? How was your night? Did you sleep? Because, you know, if some of you followed the news, I might say that people in Kiev, my team members, they are not almost sleeping during May just because of their constant missile attacks on the capital of Ukraine. We also, as a company, we maintained detailed technical documentation so that every connected developer will be able to dive into the project details if the dedicated developer cannot appear online. In our practice, we use Basecamp for project management. So we try to, you know, to store all the comments, all the updates there so that everybody can pick up it from where we landed and continue, you know, doing the job and follow the project. We, SPMs, we were ready for process flexibility. We created, I call it for myself, what if document? So what does it mean? So it, for example, what if developer A cannot be available today? What if IMZPM joins the meeting, but then I got electricity turned off and client remains on the call, but I'm not. What needs to happen in this case? We were planning in hours. So it was not planning in quarters, in days, in hours because you start your day from good morning and then you never know what will happen in a few hours. That's why we were trying to manage our project and the situation really in hours constantly, you know, checking on everyone to see if anything changed or maybe not. Transparent communication with the clients, it was a must. We were not trying to hide anything from our clients. The communication was transparent and we were updating them, you know, as much as we can on the situation. And in the next slide, I'll have a few quotes that our clients shared with us to support us. And we're saying that nobody left us. Everybody keeps working with us, even in 2022, in 2023, and they hope many, many, many, many, many more years. So if we, not, there is one more item, important one. So with PMs, we had to keep calm and not give into panic by ourselves. We were also there, you know, experiencing same challenges. However, we understand that we are team leaders and we have to support everybody in our team. Of course, we were scared, especially sitting in the shelters, you know, however, we had to say good morning every day, ask people how they are doing, try to find some appropriate words to support them. And I think we are doing this really great so far, since I'm staying here today. I would say that to summarize all of these, understanding the situation, understanding the risks, it helped us in managing expectations and staying on top of all uncontrollable circumstances. And as I promised, next slide will be with a few quotes that our five Jarian clients shared with us and keep sharing, because they are supporting us and supporting us and this support, it means a lot, believe me. Okay, last point here is about hiring. I must say that hiring didn't stop in 2022 and in 2023 as well. According to Jini analytics, Jini is one of the most popular job sites among Ukrainian developers, and they always provide some nice statistics. They are saying that in 2022, hires were down by 13%. And this happened for the first time in 10 years for Ukraine. However, despite all these challenges related to work, Ukrainian IT managed to adapt. And speaking about our company during 2022, our team has grown by 15% and in 2023 by 25%. And I hope we'll keep growing. And all these actions, you know, they were aimed to strengthen the team with the new team members. All right, let's finalize these slides by reviewing the lessons learned during 2023 and lessons that we keep learning in 2023. Challenge was accepted. It was a unique challenge, but it was accepted. We were ready to make decisions quickly as company. And at the same time, we had to adapt to changes quickly. We had to be ready to manage a lot of risks. And when I say a lot, I mean a lot, a lot, a lot of risks, you know. Under risks, I mean like team members' availability, relocation, electricity outage, and many, many, many other risks that keep happening in our country. And safety of our team was a top priority. And keep going and deliver high quality software development service continues to be our priority as well, despite the fact that war is still happening in Ukraine. All right, let's switch focus now to another topic and speak a bit about wartime remote work practicalities. And here I would like to say that COVID-19 prepared the industry for the remote work. And when I was thinking about the main practicalities that I would like to list here on the slide, I decided to put four of them here. Consistent communication with the team and clients, focus on productivity and efficiency, necessary technology and equipment, and work-life balance. And you may notice here on the slide that the last two items they are highlighting in red, just because they were a bit different for people in Ukraine during wartime remote work. Remember, I said you that I will be sharing real photos. So here you see on the slide necessary technology and equipment. And when we think about technology and equipment you need for your work, we probably, you know, imagine laptop, nice table, chair, some decoration around your working space. However, I especially, I learned about some new devices in 2022. And some of them I added here as a photos. So these were generators, power stations, star links. Next, work-life balance. For all of us in Ukraine, work-life balance has transformed into war, work-life balance. What does it mean? It means safety continues to be a top priority, flexibility and readiness to adapt to constantly changing circumstances. Travel and invocation opportunity for us, they were minimized. However, instead, we managed to focus on our professional growth, on our working tasks, and on our education. And when I was adding this item for the traveling, I decided that I need to calculate how much time it took me to get here to the Drupal Con, so it was about 37 hours from me from Ukraine to Pittsburgh. And life goes on. No matter what, life continues, and it, you know, it keeps happening. So this is kind of one of the important things under work-life balance item. Next, I'd like to share a few stories. I want to say that quite a lot of Drupal developers from our Ukrainian community, they joined Armed Forces of Ukraine in 2022. Unfortunately, I can't speak about all of them now because it will take a lot of time. However, I reached out to three of them and asked for the approval to share stories. So there will be three or four slides about our people who probably would like to be here in Pittsburgh, however, they are doing the most important job right now in Ukraine. First, Andriy Luhvishchik, he's my colleague. He actually front-end engineer at Five Jars, but at the same time, he's a volunteer at Assembly of Godchurch in Lutsk. Lutsk actually is a Drupal capital of Ukraine, we call it. Andriy delivers humanitarian aid and covers some military needs. By needs, I mean he provides our soldiers with the uniform, with sleeping bags, with some protein, and with some generators. And when I was asking Andriy to share maybe photos, maybe videos with me, he shared a video. I'll try to show it to you in the next slide because he and his team, they visit territories that were de-occupied. They deliver humanitarian aid to these people, support them, because you know, when you know, I hope you know and you wouldn't know it, but these people, they need help, they need some food or at least some, I don't know, some first needs, you know, after they've been in occupation. Okay, so let's try to enable the video. This is Andriy. This is actually her son area. If some of you heard about her son, it was under occupation for eight months. And when I asked Andriy what is his motivation, he said that many people get used to what's been happening in 2022. However, he is inspired by those who keep fighting. Despite the fact, these people have lack of water, lack of light, lack of heat, and even lack of roof over their heads. And even being after eight months of under occupation, you know, these people have the strength to keep going. So Andriy and his team, they visit such people and try to, you know, deliver them as much food, as much things, everything that they need. Next, Anatoly Polyakov, maybe some of you know him. He's a software architect at Tima Chicks. And Anatoly has been working with Drupal since 2006. He's been on Drupal org for 10 years already. He is an active Drupal contributor. And currently, he is defending our country as part of the armed forces of Ukraine. Anton Martinuk. Anton is a Drupal developer at OpenBet. He has been working with Drupal since 2015. On Drupal org, he's been for eight years already. He's also an active Drupal contributor. And he is defending our country as part of the armed forces of Ukraine. And this is the photo that he shared with me when I asked him. You know, I was, when I'm preparing these slides, I was trying to think what will be the best. I even wasn't sure how I can summarize all these stories because it's hard to summarize, you know. And I found another quote that our president shared. So I'd like to use it as a summary for these slides. He said that our victory in this war will be shared by everyone who was bringing it closer. So I would like to say glory to every Ukrainian hero. Finally, we're coming to the topic about pillars that help Ukrainian teams to support our mental health. And of course, I'll start from humor. Because during war, our people produced quite a lot of memes. All of them were created based on some events, some situations, some stories. So I think we'll have now a bunch of them available. So I try to add a few of them now so that you can see how they look like. The first meme is about us and armed forces of Ukraine. The next meme is about Ukrainian peaceful future of the free world. The next meme, actually, the hero of this meme is a grandma, because there was a story. I would say that Russia sometimes, not sometimes quite often, launches some drones. And there was a story that a grandma opened the window and just hit this drone by jar of pickles. And people created a meme related to this situation. Next. These are the stories related to Ukrainian farmers and Russian equipment that has been already destroyed. And these are the memes, you know, like Ukrainian tractor on the hunt, because people were trying to find this destroy technique and use it, I don't know for which purposes, or Ukrainian tractor, you know, towing Russian equipment. And actually, Ukrainian post office, our main one, they introduced a post stamp that you may see in the middle of the slide related to, again, Ukrainian farmers and Russian tanks. Okay, next. Next pillar was about constant communication. And here I would like to say that when the war started, our government, main one and local one, they were informing us about the current situation every hour at the beginning of war, and now every evening. So every evening I can open my telegram and I will find a message from our president where he actually delivers this information, not like a president, but like a friend.  So this is the atmosphere of his messages. He usually tells us, you know, how was his day? What are his plans for the week? What are the challenges? What are the achievements? And when listening to this, you actually understand what's happening and you don't need to read news 24 seven because he delivers all these updates to us and we understand what to expect. Mutual support and unity of people inside the country, inside the companies, inside the teams, and see here in the slide you may see a few examples of how people were united on the first image. There is a, you know, when people were gathering together and we are wearing some camouflage nets for the military in the middle. This is the photo that our recruiter shared with me. She was sharing how they were providing meals for Ukrainian military and civilian and the third photo is, it's actually a cinema, but the cinema got transferred, you know, into our humanitarian aid office and people were trying to bring all the things there and there was a team of volunteers who were receiving and sorting this humanitarian aid. Hopefully it will become a cinema again soon. Also, when I wanted to speak about unity of people, I would like to highlight that maybe some of you know the branch company, they are active Drupal contributors and they organized Drupal global contribution weekend at the beginning of 2023. They supported this initiative and organized and hosted a seventh in a row event in the Drupal capital of Ukraine, Lutsk. That was a good time for people in Ukraine. You know that men in Ukraine, they are not allowed to go abroad, but you know, these guys, they organized an event. This was a good time of networking, fun and contribution and values have changed for Ukraine in 2022. Now people, family, health, intangible things become much more important over wealth and material assets. So I think that these images are self-explanatory, so I didn't add any descriptions to them. And to finalize my presentation today, I'd like to say that the most frequently asked question in Ukraine in 2022 was the question, how are you? And how are you in our country now means I am worried about you, I care for you, I love you. So before I finish my presentation, I just want everybody to think how are you after this topic today. Thank you. Thank you. Maybe you have some questions I'm ready to answer. Yep. I would say some of the schools they are now open, those schools which are in the west of Ukraine, because it's a bit calmer there. I'm staying in Mikolayev and as I mentioned at the beginning the school that school was closed on February 23. I would say thanks God and thanks to the remote work. My son is staying with me all the time and my parents helping me with him, but he's attending school online and you know at the time when I am working he's having his lessons. So we are trying to balance. It makes our work like work balance a bit complicated, you know, but we value this family time and this is something that we just can't do right now. So hopefully schools will be open, but I started feeling that I'm getting used to this remote work and he is getting used to this online. So hopefully you know when the borders will be opened, we'll be able to come abroad, visit some nice places and this you know online school will help us with this. So people are trying to find ways how they can continue working and taking care of their children. You know honestly thanks for the question. It was you know so many, so many things were happening during work time and these were some small decisions, some big ones, some big ones, you know, whether to you know to accept new people joining the team, let some people go, you know, talk to our clients, deliver the information to them. So I would say this was a complex of actions. There were not some big dramatic changes or decisions made, but it was a set of small decisions that we were making every day starting from morning. How we are operating today, what are the priorities for today? If we understand that people cannot be available, then we need to reprioritize the work inform the clients, you know, make the team available and this will happen like on going, on going, on going procedures. People are saying that they will take their families and go to the sea, finally. Yeah, but this is actually a complex of actions that are being discussed on the government level. So how we are going to support our mental health after the war, because we would like the people to keep to continue staying in Ukraine, you know, but we realize that people will need some break, will need some rest and I think we will need to allow people to go for some extended vacation, you know, because they will need some sabbatical or something, you know, to switch focus from the war time to normal life. So I think that having a rest will be the main thing that we will be focusing and as a company, we will need to think about certain actions, you know, to allow our team members to take this break because we need them. Yep. Mostly Europe. So I think the most of Ukrainians are now living in Poland, and then Germany. So European countries mostly. Canada. Yes. Yeah, thank you. Canada. But I think Poland took took the pressure, you know, of us. But yeah. Yeah. You know, when people are asking me how they can help, I would say, if you support Ukraine, keep, demonstrate your support. Because for us, it's important when people ask, just simply ask, how are you? I know that you are going through these challenges. How are you? You know, what do you feel? Of course, you know, if you if you want to help in terms of humanitarian help, or even you want to donate for military needs, we do have a wonderful platform created by the best people in Ukraine. It's called United 24. If you Google it, you will find the website. This is a platform, again, United 24. It is initiative of our president. And it allows you to donate for anything that you want, not just military. They have different initiatives. You can just pick up the one that you need, because they are gathering money for renovation of destroyed houses or military needs, of course, or humanitarian aid. So this is the best platform that I can suggest. And you will find some interesting information about Ukraine there, as well. Any other questions? No. Okay. Then thanks, everybody, again. I really appreciate you came today to my session. And I hope the war will be over. And Ukrainian Drupal community will join us next DrupalCon, because I'm sure the people there, they would love to be here. But they are doing this important job at the moment. Thank you. Thank you.


Hello, my name is Commander Kevin Ray, and I am the commanding officer of USS Savannah's Blue Crew. In preparation for our ship's upcoming commissioning ceremony, it is my pleasure to welcome you aboard for a virtual tour. Savannah was built in Mobile, Alabama and will be home ported in San Diego, California. She has the sixth ship to bear her namesake and was built as a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in the littorials. The crew is ready and excited to share with you some details of the Navy's newest and finest warship. Enjoy your tour. I'm Electrician's May, second-class Jaguar PK from Baleo, California, and I'm standing in the Mission Bay, the largest interior space in this ship. The idea of an LCS is to be a modular platform and in the space, you can ship a surface warfare, mine warfare, or anti-submarine warfare mission package to better help us complete our mission. The Mission Bay also provides access to the ship's main engineering spaces. Down in our engine room, we have two gas turbine engines and two diesel engines that propel four controlled water-propelled jets. USS Savannah is capable of producing 80,000 tons of force power. Hi, I'm Boas' main seamen, Martinez. I'm here in front of our boat locker for our 7-meter rib. Our 7-meter rib is a 7-meter boat. It is named the Brown Thrasher and it is used for search-and-rescue efforts and man-overboard purposes. Boas' mate is one of the oldest jobs in the Navy. We do going from line handling to refueling at sea to mooring and docking into different ports, including foreign and international and national. A damage control in the first class by the officers, Anthony Harris from San Diego, California. Behind me is one of our three bottle repair lockers which holds all of our damage control equipment, which is essential to Savannah's survivability. In this locker, we have equipment that are used to combat fires, flooding, structural damage, and also other casualties. Damage control is an all-hands effort and we train tirelessly to make sure that we can perform what we need to be ready for the fight. I'm from Montgomery, Alabama, and I'm the leading caddy officer of the Food Service Division here on board USS Savannah. Each day, we feed about 70 people, about 200 meals per day, all delicious and nutritious meals, and we serve everyone from the same mess and serving line, all the way from the captain down to the lowest ranking personnel on board. I'm Hospital Corpsman First Class Alexander. I'm from Spicka, Kansas. I am the Senior Medical Department Representative and Independent Duty Corpsman on board USS Savannah. And right now, we're standing in Medical. Over here, I have my BDS, Italian Dressing Station, where I provide emergency care for the crew. And also, my IDC response bagging for plenty to respond to any medical emergencies on board the ship. And over here, we have my mini lab. I'm able to run basic laboratory tests and maintain all my health programs. I'm E.T. Xu Van Sanford. I'm from Cicero, New York. I'm standing on the ship's 11,100 square foot flight deck, where we're capable of landing helicopters, B-22 Ospreys, and AAVs. I'm also a member of the ship's flight deck crash and salvage team where we make sure that the helicopters are safe while they're taking off and landing. I am Gunners Mate First Class Andrew Davis. Behind me is the Mark 110, 57 millimeter main gun. It's capable of firing 220 rounds a minute and it has six different capabilities between air targets, surface targets, and land targets. We can operate the gun from the bridge or we can operate it locally underneath the gun mount in the gun equipment room. I'm Lieutenant Junior Grade Donald Parrot. I'm from Norfolk, Virginia, and I'm the ship's navigator on board. Here we're sitting at the steering control units. As you can see, unlike most ships, we don't have a standard helm. It's a mini land crew. We only have two bridge watch standards, a junior officer of the deck and an officer of the deck, similar to a pilot co-pilot seen in commercial aircrafts. I'm Lieutenant Junior Grade Audrey Brandon from Lime, Ohio. I'm the ship's electronic materials officer on board. I'm one of three officers of the deck. Our unique steering system allows us to control each water jet independently, allowing for tight, high speed maneuvers and even making us capable of being able to turn in place. Hello, I am Command Senior Chief Rodin L. Aleman, the Command Senior Listed Leader on board. Savannah is named in honor of the city of Savannah, the oldest city in the great state of Georgia. Following delivery and commissioning, Savannah will sail to California to be home ported in San Diego. I want to thank you for coming on board and learning about our ship. Have a fine navy day. Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to beautiful Brunswick, Georgia, and the commissioning of USS Savannah, LCS 28. I am Commander Dan Sledz, the ship's executive officer. It is my privilege to be your master of ceremonies today. In keeping with the Georgia Department of Health guidelines and in the interest of keeping our crew and guests safe, please maintain fiscal distancing and save mask wearing protocols at all times during today's ceremony. We welcome those of us in person and our friends and family as they participate in today's event from the safety of their homes. We are here today to commission the sixth ship of the line to proudly bear the name Savannah. The first USS Savannah was a coastal galley that served in the U.S. Navy from 1799 to 1802. Savannah was one of a number of small vessels authorized by an active congress approved for May 1798 to be used as naval militia training craft and for harbor defense. The Savannah class was designed by Joshua Humphries, the father of America's Navy. She was built at Savannah, Georgia by John Patterson and was placed in service on 20 March 1799 with Captain John F. Randolph in command. The gallows were placed under the immediate command of Major General Charles C. Pinckney on 19 April 1799. She was sold out of service in February 1802. The second USS Savannah, a frigate, was begun in 1820 at the New York Navy Yard but remained on the stocks until 5 May 1842 when she was launched. She was one of nine frigates to be built from a prototype design by naval architect William Doughty. Savannah, with Captain Andrew Fitzhugh in command, joined the Pacific Squadron as flagship in 1844. As the prospect of war of Mexico became imminent, the squadron moved into position off the California coast. On 7 July 1846, the squadron captured Monterey without firing a shot. She served as flagship for the Pacific Squadron again from 1849 to 52. Repairs in Norfolk, Virginia took her into 1853 and on 9 August of that year, she sailed for a three-year cruise on the Brazil station. In 1857, she was reduced to a 24-guns loop of war. She then served as flagship for the home squadron on the east coast of Mexico during 1859 and 1860. USS Savannah, USS Saratoga and two chartered steamers fought the small battle of Anton Lizardo in 1860. Two armed merchant vessels were captured by the Americans after they were deemed pirates by the Mexican government. With the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861, Savannah was deployed off the coast of Georgia where she shared in the capture of two Confederate prizes, the schooner E.J. Waterman and the ship Chashire. On 11 February 1862, Savannah was taken out of active service and placed in use as an instruction and practice ship at the United States Naval Academy. In 1870, after conducting her last training cruise to England and France, she was laid up at the Norfolk Navy Yard. She remained there until sold in 1883. The third USS Savannah was the submarine tender in the United States Navy in World War I and the years after. She was launched 18 April 1899 as a German commercial freighter Saxonia but was seized by the United States in 1917 and renamed Savannah. In 1933, the ship was renamed USS AS-8 to allow the Brooklyn-class light cruiser USS Savannah to have the Savannah name. That cruiser, CO42, was the fourth ship to bear the name of the hostess city of the south. She served in World War II in the Atlantic and Mediterranean theaters of operation. In 1941, Savannah cut the neutrality patrols and wartime patrols in the Atlantic and Caribbean and in November of 1942, supported the invasion of French North Africa in Operation Torch. In 1943, she sought German supporting blockade runners off the east coast of South America and supported the Allied landings on Sicily and at Salerno. On 11 September 1943, a German radio-controlled Fritz X-Glide bomb caused extensive damage aboard and serious damage to Savannah, requiring emergency repairs and malta and permanent repairs at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. After repairs and upgrades, she served in the task force that carried President Roosevelt to the Yalta Conference in early 1945. For her service in World War II, she was awarded three Battlestars. Savannah was decommissioned on 3 February 1947. The fifth USS Savannah AOR-4 was a Wichita class replenishment oiler of the United States Navy. She was commissioned on December 5, 1970, Captain Bernard P. Williams Jr. in command. In October of 1970, she reported to the 6th Fleet and operated in Task Group 601. By the end of the year, she had replenished 178 ships. Savannah continued to operate with the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean until early March 1972. On 9 March, she headed west for Norfolk and arrived there eight days later. Her stay in the United States, however, was cut short by a demand to the Vietnam War. On 25 April, she left the Chesapeake Bay and four days later, transited to Panama Canal. Savannah arrived in the Subic Bay Philippines on 20 May and began a five-month tour of replenishing the fleet along the coast of Vietnam. She made six line swings to the Gulf of Tonkin during this time. Each swing was punctuated by a four to six day loadout period in Subic Bay. Savannah departed Subic Bay on 5 November, bound for Norfolk. She transited to Panama Canal on 4 December and arrived at Norfolk on the 8th. Savannah operated out of Norfolk along the Atlantic Seaboard in the Caribbean for almost all of 1973. On 3 December, 1973, she again headed eastward to join the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean. From 12 December until late May, 1974, she supported units of the 6th Fleet in the Mediterranean and on 3 June, 1974, she returned to Norfolk. Savannah was back in the Mediterranean in 1975, supporting the USS John F. Kennedy, CV-67. From December 1976 to August 1977, the ship was laid up at the Brooklyn Navy Yard for repairs and modifications. The ship visited the Brooklyn Navy Yard again in 1980, which saw the installation of defensive weapon systems. From December 1991 to June 1992, the ship deployed to the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean with the USS America CV-66 carrier group. From August 1993 to February 1994, the ship deployed to the Mediterranean Sea, including a trip with the USS America Carrier Group through the Suez Canal to the Indian Ocean on 1 November 1993 in support of United Nations operations in Somalia. She was awarded one Battlestar and a Meritorious Unit Citation for her service in Vietnam. She was decommissioned on 20 July 1995. We are delighted to have several members of her crew with us today. Among them, her last commanding officer, retired US Navy Brewer Admiral Bob Beesel. Admiral Beesel will assist in setting our first watch. Would all former Savannah shipmates please stand and be recognized? Thank you for your service. At this time, we ask all veterans to please stand and be recognized. Thank you all for your service. Our ceremony today is a time-honored tradition that began with the commissioning of our first warship, a captured British screener, the Margareta in 1775. Since then, thousands of ships have undergone the transformation from silent hulls to fully alive warships. Our commissioning crew, hereafter known as plank owners, are in formation among you and ready to bring our ship alive. In just a few moments, the band will render honors to the honorable Earl L. Buddy Carter. Will the guests please rise and remain standing for the arrival of our official party, honors, the presentation of colors, and our national anthem. Ladies and gentlemen, our platform guests, Ms. Patricia Jovic, chairperson, USS Savannah commissioning committee, Ms. Julie Isaacson Mitchell, our matron of honor, Captain Tom Nichols, chaplain corps, United States Navy retired, our ceremony chaplain. Captain Robert A. Gold, United States Navy, littoral combat ship program manager. Captain Jack Fay, United States Navy, commander, littoral combat ship, squadron one. Captain Nathan Schneider, United States Navy, supervisor of shipbuilding, Gulf Coast. We're Admiral Bob Beasel, United States Navy retired, our long-glass presenter. Mr. Larry Ryder, vice president, business development and external relations, Austin, USA. We're Admiral Casey Moten, United States Navy, program executive officer, unmanned and small combatants. Vice Admiral Carl Chebbi, United States Navy, commander, naval air systems command. The Honorable Cosby Johnson, mayor, city of Brunswick, Georgia. The Honorable Van Johnson, mayor, city of Savannah, Georgia. The Honorable Meredith Berger, performing the duties of the undersecretary of the Navy. Ladies and gentlemen, our ship sponsor, Mrs. Diane Davidson Isaacson, escorted today by senior chief Rod Mell J. Alimon, USS Savannah command senior chief. Ladies and gentlemen, the Honorable Buddy Carter, United States representative, state of Georgia first district, escorted today by Commander Kevin Ray, United States Navy, Savannah's prospective commanding officer. Ladies and gentlemen, honors to the Honorable Buddy Carter. Dance the colors! Ladies and gentlemen, chaplain Nichols will now deliver the invocation. Will you be with me in a spirit of prayer? Eternal and everlasting God, we have gathered today to officially commission the littoral combat ship 28 and proclaim her as the USS Savannah, the sixth Navy vessel to bear the proud name of a city so deeply embedded in our nation's history. And so we come, asking that the spirit of all the men and women of our Navy, who have served on ships that go down to the sea, will fill the hearts and souls of each crew member of this new ship. May the courage and commitment of those who have come before now be vested in those who on this day receive the mantle of leadership for this ship. Grant them your wisdom to complement their competence. Walk with them upon the waters of conflict as surely as you watch over them in the calm seas of peace. Be still upon their leaders, the will, the ability, and the courage to lead boldly so that the nation that raised them for this time will be forever proud of them and eternally thankful for their role in keeping us safe from all who would do us harm. Here, our prayer, O Lord, amen. Thank you, chaplain Nichols. We would like to thank the U.S. Navy Band Southeast and the Savannah State University NROTC Color Guard for their support this morning. Will the guests please be seated? Ship's Company, parade, rest. Ladies and gentlemen, the honorable Cosby Johnson. Good morning. I would like to say first off is whoever it is in the crowd that brought the cold weather, we're going to send you back fairly quickly. I am imagining when I think about today the words that we find in Isaiah when God asks, who shall I send? And Isaiah responds, here I am, Lord, send me. That is the mission that is before everyone who serves in our armed forces and we are thankful today that this city, that our city, can be a part of it. But even more so, to have Mrs. Isakson be a part of this ceremony really connects and intertwines the understanding of what service means. Because Senator Isakson represented that to every single corner of this entire state. So we are even more thankful for her presence and the work of Senator Isakson and the city that you are in today thanks him as well for his service. It is so important right now to understand that the city of Runswick was also a place that built ships that went out to service. They were a part of this country's esteemed history in protecting our country for everything that we stand for. And so today, from our city, we say more than welcome. We say thank you to you. And we also say thank you for coming to our city, a city where liberty has set sail. Thank you. Thank you, Mayor Johnson. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Larry Ryder. Thank you, Commander Sledz. Good morning, Mayor. I just want to let you know we didn't bring this down from DC, so someone else is to blame for the weather. Today I have the honor of representing the 3,000 shipbuilders of Allstal, USA, our teammates and our team of suppliers across the country. All of them played a key part in building this great ship and continue to support our nation as a vital part of the defense industrial team. Mrs. Isakson, Representative Carter, Secretary Berger, Mayor Johnson, Mayor Van Johnson, Admiral Chibi, and most importantly today, Commander Ray and the crew of the future USS Savannah, your families and distinguished guests. As the builder of this great Navy ship, we've been part of every stage of the USS Savannah's construction, starting with the first cut of metal in the summer of 2017. Her sponsor, Mrs. Isakson, has been with us to celebrate each major milestone from the Kielang ceremony in September 2019 and the christening in August of 2020. That socially distanced christening makes today's ceremony even more special since we are finally able to gather together to celebrate this important event with Mrs. Isakson and the crew of the Savannah. Also, USA was proud to deliver this warship to the Navy in June of last year. While we are sad to see her leave Mobile, Alabama, we watch with great pride as Savannah's crew joins their sister ships in sailing the world seas, flying our flag throughout the globe. It has been a privilege working with our Navy teammates. We value our long and deep relationship with Rear Admiral Moten, Captain Gold, Captain Schneider, and their teams who help bring the Savannah to life. I also want to recognize another important part of our shipbuilding team, our valued supplier base. Without that team composed of hundreds of suppliers throughout the country, we would not be able to build this ship. The Savannah was built with the help of 14 suppliers here in Georgia, including Parmarine located right here in Brunswick. Thank you, Secretary Berger and the United States Navy team. We value our relationship with the Navy. As a member of our vital shipbuilding industrial base, we look forward to designing, constructing, and delivering more of these great ships for decades to come. Captain Ray, you and your crew and those who will follow in your footsteps on USS Savannah will always be part of the Austal shipbuilding family. And we'll watch proudly as a result of our joint efforts, this awesome combat ship sails the oceans of the world, protecting our nation's freedom. I know members of our Austal family are watching with pride today. These are the best shipbuilders in America. Our workforce is highly skilled and deeply patriotic. These skilled builders are key to maintaining our industrial base that's so vital to our nation. We take pride in delivering affordable, quality, highly capable ships on time and on budget, and we're ready to build more. Commander Ray, when you and your crew sail the world's oceans into coming years, the Austal team will be ready to support you anytime, anywhere. You'll see our team when you sail into San Diego, Singapore, and everywhere in between. We look forward to seeing the USS Savannah sailing alongside our sister ships, protecting our independence and our freedom. We've built you a great ship and we couldn't be more proud to see you and your crew sail away. Fair winds and following seas to you and your crew. May God bless and watch over the USS Savannah and all her sail on Earth. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Ryder. Ladies and gentlemen, the Honorable Van Johnson. Good morning to Senator John Ossoff and Senator Dr. Raphael Warnock in their absence, Representative Buddy Carter, Secretary Berger, to our sponsor, the beloved Diane Ozickson and our matron, Ms. Mitchell, to the Department of Defense, the Navy, the Navy League of Savannah, the Commissioning Committee, the Georgia Ports Authority, represented by Jamie McCurry today, Commander Ray, joined here today also by our city manager, Jay Melder, and our Chatham County Commissioner, A.Dot, Whiteley. We are so happy because it's Savannah Day today in Brunswick and we certainly want to thank Mayor Cosby Johnson for his hospitality and his kindness to us as we had the maneuver to make sure that we kept our ports open and viable. It is my great pleasure to have the opportunity to be here as the Mayor of Savannah to this great occasion, the commissioning of the USS Savannah, the sixth Navy vessel to bear the beloved name and blessed name of the mother city of Georgia. It cannot be understated the importance of this day, the significance of this vessel, the importance of the company that built it, the strategic and operational necessity that our Navy remains the premier maritime force in the world. Therefore, in addition to having the finest men and women to serve, they deserve a premier vessel to serve upon. I'm sure we could all agree on that. We are looking so forward to seeing this ship coming across the Savannah Harbor, coming across Savannah City Hall, Jamie. We need to make that happen. Secretary Berger, we need your help so that Savannahians can see this wonderful vessel and more importantly, the wonderful people that serve upon it. So we offer our blessings to this vessel, those who built it and those who will serve upon it. We bid you safety. We bid you health. We bid you Godspeed. May God bless the city of Savannah and may God bless the USS Savannah. Thank you, Mayor Johnson. Ladies and gentlemen, Vice Admiral Carl Chebe. Good morning. Representative Carter, Secretary Berger, Mayor Van Johnson, Mayor Johnson, Mrs. Isaacson, Mrs. Mitchell, Vice Admiral Fuller, Distinguished Guests, Secretary Ball, Ms. Allison Stiller, Veterans, Shipbuilders, Crew, Family and Friends. Good morning and thank you for joining us today. It is truly an honor for me to represent our Navy and our CNO, Admiral Michael Day, for today's commissioning ceremony of the USS Savannah. I met a lot of folks this morning as we were walking around, and this is, if you've been to a commissioning ceremony, a change of command ceremony, these are a lot like a wedding. So putting this together is a lot of folks behind the scenes. I want to say thank you to everybody who made this, made today such a successful day. So how about a big round of applause for all those folks? I would also like to thank Ostell USA Shipbuilders for their fantastic job delivering this incredible warfighting capability to my left to your right. They did that ahead of schedule and below cost, ahead of schedule and below cost. It's truly a remarkable feat. Your partnership, commitment to the U.S. Navy will enable Savannah to deploy around the world, ensuring our sailors, our sons and daughters, execute their mission and return home safely. Finally, I would like to personally recognize and thank our ship sponsors, Ms. Diana Isaacson, wife of the late former U.S. Senator Johnny Isaacson. Ms. Isaacson understands the importance of military service, being the daughter of a World War II Naval Aviator and a sister of two brothers who also served. We are all sorry for your loss, and thank you and your family for their service to our country. From right here in Brunswick, Georgia, where we sit today, to Savannah, Georgia, and then on to San Diego, California, the ship's home port, the USS Savannah is poised to represent its motto across the globe, not for self but for others. Today we commission her as an operating force of the U.S. Navy. This ship and her crew will carry on the legacy of five other ships that have also had the honor to bear the name Savannah since 1798. These ships echo the spirit of a city that is steeped in the history of service. They were built of wood, then steel, and now aluminum. They have participated in the Mexican War, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War. While the sixth USS Savannah's history has yet to be written, it will undoubtedly be rich in stories of honor, courage, and commitment. Today we live in an era of great power competition, and the USS Savannah will use her unique and advanced capabilities to deter and defeat these threats. She will deploy with advanced capabilities, supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence to protect U.S. interests around the globe. She will use her flight deck right to the left here to launch manned and unmanned platforms, and she will connect network centers, platforms, and weapons to provide unmatched integrated warfighting capability to our fleet. She will bear the name Savannah honorably, as did all the other ships who came before her. If those Savannah's could talk, they would spend remarkable stories of battles lost, battles won. They would tell even better stories about what lies ahead.   And always remember to pay it forward, to do things not for self, but for others. I know you will make the Navy proud, and I thank you and your families, and I want to especially call out the families of our service members who also serve. Thank you for your service to our great country. Thank you again to everybody who made today's ceremony possible and allowed us to celebrate this historic and timeless naval tradition. This is a great day for our Navy and our nation, and a great day for our community to come together to bring this ship to life. Thank you. Thank you, Vice Admiral Chevy. Ladies and gentlemen, the Honorable Meredith Burger. I'm so glad to be in Georgia with you here today on behalf of the Secretary of the Navy. There's magic and warmth here. The littlest warmth today with this wind. John Barron captured that in his quick turn classic, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. Among other things is the story of how a New Yorker became enamored with Savannah. A story Savannah Mayor Johnson can relate to. There's a part where Barron takes a verbal stroll through Georgia, assigning color and character to major cities, ending in Savannah. He says, if you go to Atlanta, the first question people ask you is, what's your business? In Macon, they say, where do you go to church? In Augusta, they ask your grandmother's maiden name. But in Savannah, the first question they ask is, what would you like to drink? Today, we celebrate the hostess city of the south, Georgia's oldest city, Savannah. And how wonderful that our host for this celebration in the city of Brunswick, the port city, which has a proud naval and seafaring history all its own that Mayor Johnson told us about. Thank you Mayor Johnson and the people of Brunswick for your fine southern hospitality. In my few months on the job, I've learned that celebrating a milestone in a ship's life is one of the best things that I get to do. And few things are more special than the commissioning of a ship. For those who aren't familiar with the key milestones in a ship's life, first comes the keeling. This is the effective birth of the ship when the full frame of the vessel takes shape from stem to stern. Next comes the christening, most recognized for its hallmark breaking the bottle of champagne on the bow, bringing good luck and safety for the ship and her crew. Then comes a day like today, the commissioning, where the ship joins the fleet. And after a long productive life of service, the ship has a decommissioning. At each of these steps, the talented shipbuilders across the nation, in this case, as Larry spoke about, are there, keeping the Navy on track to ensure that we add another fine example of American ingenuity to the fleet. It is their skill sets and talents that allow us to continue to build, improve, and modernize our fleet and continue building the right mix of capabilities for the force. Also present at each of these steps, and she's very important, is the ship's sponsor. For the Savannah, of course, that's Miss Diane Isaacson. It is said that the character and spirit of a ship's sponsor serves to enrich, guide, and protect the ship and her crew. And Miss Isaacson, a hallmark of your presence is that you support and enrich all of those around you.  You come from a family steeped in service. You've got Navy on your blood, with your father and two brothers serving in the Navy during times of war. And you brought that innate sense of service to your own life, as well in partnership with your late husband, Johnny, who served this country in the Georgia Air National Guard and in the United States Congress. Together you have been dedicated to the Savannah, participating in the Keeling in 2019 and the Christening in 2020. I know it's difficult to be at this milestone without Johnny, and I'm so sorry for that missing piece in this momentous day. But I know he's so well represented here. In matron of honors, Julie's warmth, in Kevin and John's kindness, in the staff members who are here today who supported him throughout his long tenure, I can tell that he is present here. And I know that the love and attention that you both poured forth in your service together will be captured and carried throughout the lifetime of the Savannah. And so we set that course off in earnest by bringing this beautiful ship into the fleet. Part of that process is an iconic ceremony, manning the ship and bringing her to life. Mrs. Isaacson will give the command, the crew runs towards the ship, their feet pounding and the pavement, their medals hit their chests. The crew joins the ship and sets the heartbeat of the vessel, the cadence of their work. You see the deck light up, electronics were and sound. It's the start of a lifelong relationship. There's a bit of magic in it and it's deeply meaningful. We'll ask a lot of the sailors and Marines who will fulfill the nation's missions while they sail aboard the USS Savannah. Today she joins our fleet, manned and operated by the sailors that you'll see around you. They're committed to protecting our way of life, advancing our global security and safeguarding our economic interests. They'll certainly have their fair share of challenges and adventures, but they'll have a proud affiliation with the city of Savannah. And Mr. Mayor, I'll see what I can do about that request. Perhaps to borrow another line from Barron, they'll even be able to come down to celebrate some of Savannah's high holy days, like St. Patrick's Day or the Florida Georgia game in the historic district or down on River Street. But for now, they've got some really important work to do. In times of conflict and in times of peace around the world and around the clock, the Navy and Marine Corps is present, protecting our way of life. And now we have another ship in the fleet that will do just that. What a meaningful day this is for Ms. Isaacson, for the captain and crew, for the city of Savannah. I hope you all are enjoying every single moment of it. Thank you all, and we'll shortly welcome the USS Savannah to the fleet. Thank you, Secretary Burger. Ladies and gentlemen, the honorable Buddy Carter. Well, good morning. You know, I thought I left this cold weather behind me when I came back from Washington yesterday. Obviously not. Let me thank you all for being here today. All of you honor us with your presence, but I especially want to thank some people that really do need to be thanked. And that is members of the Savannah LCS 28 commissioning team. If you are a member of that team or had anything to do with that, will you please stand or wave so that we can acknowledge you and thank you for all of your work. Thank you very much. Ladies and gentlemen, as you know, events like this and that have taken place all week don't just happen. It takes a lot of planning and a lot of work, and we want to thank them for their help on this. I also want to thank the city of Brunswick. I want to thank them for hosting us here, for the commissioning of the SSS Savannah. How appropriate. And that's what the first district of Georgia is all about. Now, folks, I know you find this hard to believe, but if you're from out of town and undersecretary, you'll appreciate this. There are 435 districts in the United States of America, and you happen to be in the very best one right now. The first congressional district of Georgia. Thank you very much for being here. As you've heard before, this ship here today that we are commissioning is the 6th ship to don Savannah's historic name and how appropriate. The USS Savannah, LCS 28, is the 24th ship of its kind to be commissioned by the Navy. For those of you who didn't have the honor of serving in our military, and I didn't have that honor, as it served those who do serve in the military, but for those of us who didn't have that honor, the LCS, as you heard earlier, stands for Literal Combat Ship. And it's noted for its agility, and it's designed for its defense. Now, that's important, and it's appropriate. Appropriate that this ship that we were told just a little while ago has a top speed of over 40 knots. And that's fast for a ship this size especially. But it's fitting that it would find its home in Savannah. A city whose agility has allowed her to be a defining force in the entire scope of American history. For those of you who will remember, General William Sherman in his famous March to the Sea, he spared the city of Savannah. And by the way, Mr. Mayor, I would be remiss if I didn't mention that General Sherman encamped in the city of Poole before he embarked on the city of Savannah. As the former mayor of the city of Poole, that's important for me to note, and I want to make sure you all understand that. But Savannah has proven its agility over the years, and that is important and appropriate, as I say, that this ship would be named for the city of Savannah. It's important to note also, and I want you to make sure that you know this, that the ships crest on which you will see many markers that are unique to our capital city in the city of Savannah and to the state of Georgia. First of all, there are gold stars that pay homage to the ship's predecessor, the five USS Savannahs that came before. There are Cherokee roads, Georgia's state flower that represents our Native American history. The boar's head that serves as a reminder of Savannah's history of hospitality, one that will continue to be uphill by this ship as we welcome sailors from around the country abroad the USS Savannah.  The USS Savannah and its beauty and history will now be shared with the world, and that is certainly important. You know, the United States military is, and serving in the military is an inherently selfless act. I want to thank all of those, all of our veterans who are here today, for your service to our country. I want to thank those who serve in active service as well. I especially want to thank the family members of those who serve. Yours is an important role. You know, as a father, and as a grandfather now, the safety of my children, the safety of my grandchildren are ultimately the one thing that I'm very, very concerned with. The one thing that I really concentrate on. It's our military that keeps us safe. Our military that we can thank while they are out in selfless service, making sure that we are safe. If you're a member of our military, or active duty, or a veteran, or a family member, will you please stand or at least raise your hand so that we can acknowledge you at this time. Thank you for your service to our country. Ladies and gentlemen, this is a historic day. A historic day in the city of Savannah, a historic day in the first congressional district of Georgia, a historic day in our nation, as we christen this ship. As it will travel all over the world, representing the hospitality of our great city of Savannah, of our great state, of our great country. Let all of those who serve on this ship always remember that we thank you for your service, that we appreciate your service, and that we wish you Godspeed. We wish God's blessings on this ship. We wish God's blessings on those who serve. And we wish God's blessings on the United States of America. Thank you, and God bless you. Thank you, Representative Carter. Secretary Berger, I'd be honored if you had now placed Savannah in commission. On behalf of the Secretary of the Navy, and for the President of the United States, I hereby place United States ship Savannah in commission. May God bless and guide this warship and all who sell, sell in her. Thank you, Secretary Berger. Executive Officer, hoist the colors and commission pendant. Aye, aye, sir. The commission pendant and professional national navies began to take form late in the 17th century. All ships at that time were sailing ships, and it was often difficult to tell a naval ship from a merchantman. Navies began to adopt long, narrow penins to be flown by their ships at the main mast head to distinguish themselves from merchant ships. The commission pendant will fly continuously until the ship is decommissioned. Ladies and gentlemen, please rise. I direct your attention to the ship's mast as we hoist the colors and commission pendant. Quartermaster, hoist the colors and commission pendant. Aye, aye, sir. Captain, the colors and commission pendant are flying proudly over USS Savannah. Very well. Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. I'll now read my orders. From Commander, Naval Military Personnel Command. To Commander, Kevin Ray, United States Navy. Subject, bupers order number 0028 of 01 April 2021. Wind directed by Reporting Senior. Detach from present duty and report to pre-commissioning unit Savannah as commanding officer. Upon commissioning of USS Savannah, report for duty as commanding officer. Vice Admiral Chubby, United States ship Savannah is in commission and I am in command. Executive officer, set the watch. Aye, aye, sir. Officer of the deck, set the first watch. Aye, sir. The officer of the deck is the commanding officer's direct representative and while on watch is responsible for the safe operation of the ship and crew. The long glass is additional symbol of an officer of the deck's authority and a ship of the line. We are honored to have the last commanding officer of the fifth USS Savannah, AOR-4. Navy officer, Admiral, retired Bob Beesel who will pass the long glass to our first officer of the deck, Lieutenant Donald Parrot from Norfolk, Virginia. The petty officer of the watch is Hospital Corbin First Class, Mayela Alexander from Topeka, Kansas. The messenger of the watch is Sergeant-Tinician Third Class, Arthur Flores from McAllen, Texas. And the bosun's mate of the watch is Chief Bosun's mate, Lesvia Butler from Escondido, California. Sir, the watch is set. Very well. Captain, the watch is set. Very well. The spirit of a U.S. Navy warship is in the embodiment of her sponsor. Our sponsor, Ms. Diane Isaacson, christened this ship in Mobile, Alabama on August 29, 2020 and imbued the ship and crew with her indomitable spirit and love. Diane, I'd be honored if you would give the order to man our ship and bring her to life. Thank the Navy, the Navy League and the commissioning committee, but most especially I want to thank the officers and crew of the USS Savannah for giving me the honor of serving as her sponsor. I spent some of yesterday afternoon on the ship with the crew, listening to them, talking to them, and I am very proud to be a sponsor of the Savannah. Thank you. Officers and crew of the USS Savannah, man our ship and bring her to life. The crew of USS Savannah salutes you. We are proud to serve in America's Navy. Savannah, ready? Two. Will the guests please be seated. Captain, USS Savannah is manned and ready. Very well. Commodore Fay, USS Savannah is manned and ready and reports for duty. Secretary Burger, request permission to break your flag, ma'am. Executive Officer, break the flag of the undersecretary of the Navy. Aye aye, sir. Quartermaster, break the flag of the undersecretary of the Navy. Aye aye. Captain, the flag of the undersecretary of the Navy is proudly flying over USS Savannah. Very well. Ladies and gentlemen, Commander Kevin Ray, United States Navy, commanding officer of USS Savannah. Ship's company, parade, rest. Secretary Burger, Vice Admiral Chevy, forgive me, but I'm going to break from tradition. It is often that our Navy has a, it is not often that our Navy has a crewman from a previous namesake ship act as a long-glass presenter. Admiral Beesel, the officers and crew of the latest ship to bear the name Savannah would like to formally make you a plank owner on LCS 28. We'd like to do the same for QM2, Clarence Ed West, who served on CL 42, who's unfortunately unable to be here today, but he served during World War II on USS Savannah. Sir, please wear this plank owner ball cap proudly, and we thank you for your legacy you have given to our Navy and our crew. Thank you all for being here today for an incredible milestone in our ship and crew's life. I'd like to recognize the ship's sponsor, Miss Diane Isaacson, and her daughter Julie, our matron of honor. Thank you both so much for being here and for your family's support, including the late Senator Johnny Isaacson. I'd also like to recognize Representative Carter and Under Secretary Burger. Mr. Ryder and all industry partners, thank you and all your teams for contributing to the production of such a fine warship. Mayor Johnson of Savannah and Mayor Johnson of Brunswick, thank you both for truly showing the hospitality of your cities. Vice Admiral Chevy, rear Admiral Montan, thank you for being here representing senior Navy leadership. Commodore Fay, thank you for your mentorship and the support of LCS Ron to bring the ship to life. I'd also like to thank the commission and committee for their outstanding support to Team Savannah these past months, as well as all other distinguished guests, family, and friends. On behalf of the crew, I'd like to personally thank each of you for being here today and for your continued support. You truly do make a difference. It is an absolute honor to be here as we bring the newest warship into the service of our great nation. A lot of hard work has gone into bringing the ship to life. The builders at Austal and the Naval Sea Systems Command Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Gulf Coast, have worked tirelessly to provide the platform you see before you. The Latoral Combat Ship Training Facility, Surface Warfare Schools Command, and various other training commands have ensured our sailors were ready to take the watch. The LCS Squadron 1 staff provided great assistance throughout every aspect of man, train, and equip to help bring it all together. And lastly, our crew, who spent months between San Diego and Mobile ensuring we were ready and capable to man, navigate, and fight our warship. Speaking of our ship, as every good sailor knows, a ship needs a name. One that helps define the culture of the crew, one they can relate to, and one they can be excited about. Savannah is that name for us. In 1733, Savannah became the first city to be established in the last of the 13 colonies. In the years since, they have supported our fine navy in various ways. Whether it be in namesake, as was true with each of the previous five ships to bear the name USS Savannah, the first of which entered service in the late 1700s. In shipbuilding and repair, as they did starting in 1941 when multiple minesweepers and submarine rescue vessels were built at a shipyard along the Savannah River. Or in commissioning fine men and women in service as the Naval Reserve Officer Training Court, Savannah State University, has been doing since 1971. It was here Captain Donnie Cochran, U.S. Navy retired, accepted his commission. He would later become the first African-American officer to both fly with and command the esteemed blue angels. To the city of Savannah, I assure you, the fine men and women of our crew, who I am humbled to lead, represent everything that is great about your city. Pride, patriotism, resiliency, diversity, and hospitality. We will carry your name forward wherever our nation asks us to go, and we will represent you well. Not for self, but for others. Thank you. Ships Company, Hut 10 Hut. Will the guests please rise and remain standing for the benediction that will be offered by Chaplain Nichols. Let us pray. O God of heaven and earth, the time has come when this ship must go out into the uncertain seas of our world. These sailors have accepted the responsibility to go from here and to do the work of defending our nation and all that we hold dear. May we, in like manner, accept our responsibility to them, to support them, to honor them, and to care for them, their families, and their successors from this day forward. We ask fair winds and following seas for them, even as we ask safe travel for all who have come to this place on this day to send the USS Savannah into its role in our nation's defense. Perhaps the words of the great hammer so appropriate for our going forth. Eternal Father strong to save, whose arm hath bound the restless wave, who bids the mighty oceans deep its own appointed limits keep. O hear us as we cry to thee for those in peril on the sea.


Hey guys, how you doing? This is Rich from Rich TV Live, and I want to talk to you about Chiron Life Sciences Corp. A lot of you have been asking me, Rich, talk about Chiron, talk about Chiron, talk about Chiron, and I've honestly just have been so busy looking at all these other picks. I have not been looking at Chiron Life Sciences, and I want to apologize for that because they have been on fire. Absolutely on fire from July 31st, 2018 at 67 cents, now at $2.07 in America, and it has been just a darling. K-H-R-N in Canada, K-H-R-N-F in America, and I want to mark it here as well. It has been an absolute beast. So, Chiron Life Sciences, look at this, MacD here. The blue line is pointing up, the orange line is pointing up, the red lines are pointing above the line here, so that's a lot of buying pressure here. This baby had a massive day today, up 13.93%. On a day that was a graveyard, everything else was red pretty much, except for Chiron Life Sciences. I am this as well, which is one that I told you guys about, but this is one that I've been kind of sleeping on. It has had a massive run here from October at $1.15, now to $2.78, up over 100%. And if we look on bar chart, it says here it's a 96% buy with the strongest short-term outlook on maintaining the current direction. Long-term, the trend strength is maximal. Long-term indicators fully support a continuation of this trend. So, there's a lot of momentum here for Chiron Life Sciences Corp. And right here it says Chiron Life Sciences Corp is a Canadian-based company involved in cultivating, producing and distributing THC and CBD medical cannabis extracts. Some of the potential uses for the medicinal cannabis are disease treatment, pain relief and disease prevention. That doesn't tell the whole story, they're actually based out of Columbia and they're doing a lot of work out of Columbia and out of Latin America. But take a look at this, they're up 143% since December 6th, 82% since January 16th. Wow, that's unbelievable. They need our attention, okay? We need to put our eyes on Chiron. And bam, I see this news today. Chiron, or the company, KHRN TSX Venture Exchange in Canada, KHRNF in America on the OTCQB. And in Germany, under A2JMZC is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Catacord Genuity Corp and BMO Capital Markets as co-lead underwriters and joint bookrunners. And including CoreMark Security's Inc. together the underwriters, under which the underwriters have agreed to purchase 9.1 million common shares of the company on a bot-deal basis pursuant to a short-form prospectus offering subject to all required regulatory approvals at a price per common share of $2.20 for gross proceeds of 20 million, 20,000, otherwise known as the offering. The company has also granted the underwriters an over-allotment option, the over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 15% of the common shares at the issue price, exercisable in a whole or in part at any time or up to 30 days following the closing of the offering. If this option is exercised in full, the company will receive an additional $3,000,000 in gross proceeds for total aggregate gross proceeds of $23,000,000. The company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering to expand the company's operating capacity and for working capital requirements and other general corporate purposes. I believe this is huge news for this company and this is going to give it more capital to grow. In connection with the offering, the company has agreed to pay the underwriters a cash commission equal to 6% of the gross proceeds raised from the offering, including on any exercise of the over-allotment option and non-transferable broker warrants equal to 6% of the common shares sold under the offering, including on any exercise of the over-allotment option. Each broker warrant will be exercisable at the issuer price to acquire one common share for a period of 24 months following the closing of the offering. The closing date of the offering is scheduled to be on or about February 28, 2019 and is subject to certain conditions, including but not limited to the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange and the applicable securities regulatory authorities. This is where I need you guys to really pay attention. Kiron is positioned to be the dominant integrated medical cannabis company in Latin America as I told you. Kiron has core operations in Colombia and is fully licensed in the country for the cultivation, production, domestic distribution and international export of both THC and CBD medical cannabis. In May 2018, Kiron listed on the TSX-V becoming one of the first Colombian-based medical cannabis companies to trade on any exchange globally. With a focus regional strategy and patient-oriented approach, Kiron combines global scientific expertise, agricultural advantages, branded product market entrance experience and education to drive prescription and brand loyalty to address priority medical conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, depression and anxiety in the Latin American market for over 620 million people. Kiron is led by co-founder and chief executive officer Alvaro Torres, together with an experienced executive team and knowledgeable board directors that includes former president of Mexico, Vicente Fox. Wow. I mean this could be huge. These guys have been on an epic run. I apologize, Kiron, for not giving you the attention you deserve. You have been one of the hottest stocks and I haven't given you the attention I am giving it to now. Guys, remember Rich TV Live is strictly for education and entertainment purposes. Always do your due diligence. Always do your research before you invest in anything that we talk about here on Rich TV Live. You can find the news, stocks, you want to holler at your boy, contact your boy, follow your boy everywhere. It's true. And Kiron Life Sciences has been an absolute dream. It's been on fire. What do you guys think? If you like this video, smash the like button. Comment down below. Share the video everywhere. If I win and you win, we all win. It's true. So why not win? Kiron Life Sciences, a big winner up 13% on a day when everything else is red. Kiron Life Sciences was up almost 14% and you heard it here first from your boy Rich. Thanks to you, the people bringing Kiron to my attention. Saying Rich, talk about Kiron Rich. They're so good, Rich. Rich, Rich, Rich. I hear you guys. Okay guys, I'm out. Kiron Life Sciences. Put on your watch list. Put on your radar. I'm out. Peace.


And I agree with Joy in that, you know, if you look at this election, progressive incumbents in swing districts overwhelmingly won re-election. And also these progressive people that are calling them progressive ideas or socialist ideas, those ideas won convincing victories across the country. And so really, I think that this administration needs to reflect those views because America has spoken. Those are the views that America supports, not this sort of conservative right-wing agenda. Welcome back everyone.  But first, just give me 30 seconds for a quick capitalism break to tell you about this special offer from Noble Gold. If you're anything like me, you're wondering what's going on with these markets. Right now, they're all over the place and nobody knows what's happening. Will they grow or come crashing down? One thing's for sure, Gold has kept people safe for thousands of years through war, national disaster, and financial troubles. That's why Noble Gold is inviting you to get safe with Gold this time. They're gifting a solid 24 carat American Gold Eagle coin in a spectacular display case with every qualifying IRA or 401K started before the end of November. No call centers, no sales pitch, straight through to the experts who will give you your options. So go to www.noblegoldinvestments.com and get this special coin offer. Or you can call<PHONE_NUMBER>. Well the progressives have very good ideas and the American people agree with the progressive ideas. No, no, no. Progressives don't have good ideas. They have long failed bad ideas that they're bringing back now because they think this time they'll do it without murdering millions of their own people. I really just think it boils down to two things, making the country dependent on government and bribing people for votes. Now throw in Democrat Party State Media, Marxist Universities indoctrinating generations, Big Tech Censorship, and you have a recipe for one party communist rule forever. What allocation of funds I would think, if presented correctly, not that you defund the police but that you reallocate funds so that you have social workers and other important people dealing with problems like that. First off you gotta love this constant left-wing media spin about policies that are clearly not popular with the vast majority of the public. For example, defund the police. She spins the defund the police movement as just wanting to hire social workers to deal with the problems. Yeah, I'm really sure that social workers are gonna do a great job against insane people with weapons. I mean, my guess is as this program fails, we'll just never hear about it. We see this exact same kind of media spin when it comes to the Democrats and socialism. Like Alison Camerota at CNN says, Socialists, do you think that Democrats are making a mistake tactically because you're a strategist of allowing themselves to be branded as socialists, not coming up with some sort of new name?  Everything they say is a deception. And I agree with Joy in that, you know, if you look at this election, progressive incumbents in swing districts overwhelmingly won re-election. And also these progressive people, you know, that are calling them progressive ideas or socialist ideas, those ideas won convincing victories across the country. And so really, I think that this administration needs to reflect those views because America has spoken. Those are the views that America supports, not this sort of conservative right-wing agenda. This is exactly what I'm talking about. What Hosten doesn't mention is that the socialists lost a bunch of their propositions in progressive California. She doesn't mention the Democrats freaking out over losing so many congressional seats. Many of them admitting that socialism and defunding the police cost them a lot of seats in this election. Andrea Mitchell, one of the many media personalities that have unfortunately praised Fidel Castro, was mad that socialism memes have hurt Democrats. Mark my words, that's going to be the narrative going forward. That anytime you hear anybody call Democrats a socialist, a Marxist, or a communist, that's just disinformation. It's already happening. Just notice how much criticism and scrutiny of Democrats is being labeled right-wing conspiracy theories or disinformation. It's like I say, the only legitimate scandal is one involving the Democrats' political opposition. Never see anybody in the DNC media ever label attacks against Republicans left-wing conspiracy theories or disinformation.  That's all for this episode. If you enjoyed it, please hit that like button, share, and subscribe. If you'd like to support this channel, you can do so using one of the links in the description or pinned comment. Thanks for watching. Keep coming back.


Oh, this was me over a decade ago. Look at me.  It absolutely blows my mind that somebody would give me this free access to the internet where I could go on to any website I wanted so long I could type the name into Google correctly.  Some absolute all-time faves of mine from childhood were free web arcade, mini-clip and cool mass games. But there was one genre of game that stood above the others. Chat games. You know games like Club Penguin where you can have your own character in a world filled with other online players to interact with. The funny thing is though, I never had a Club Penguin account. Despite it being the biggest game, I was a huge fan of Moshi Monsers for the longest time. But ultimately another random chat game that nobody has ever heard of was the most important thing to Mini Jelly Jess. Boom Bang TV. Did any of you guys play this? Anyone? Hello? Yeah, I didn't think so, but I- Is that the exciting announcement alarm? A few months ago, I did a big giveaway for a Gammon display tablet and their response from you guys was amazing. So amazing. In fact, I'm teaming up with Gammon again to give away three of these amazing graphics tablets. This is the Gammon M106K. A high quality digital graphics tablet with 12 shortcut keys on the left and 16 soft keys on the top All are which are fully customizable. You're able to create beautiful artwork really efficiently. It's got 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, giving your brush strokes a natural look from pen to computer. Slice. So opening the box, we've got the tablet itself, an instructions manual, the pen, which is nice and solid, extra pen nibs inside this really nice case, cables and a smudge guard glove. There's a pen loop on the edge here too, which I thought was a really nice touch. Nice. Setup is very fast and easy and drawing on the tablet surface itself is super smooth, just like you would feel with any other branded tablet. Really comfortable. If you would like to win a free tablet, it's very simple. To enter, you need to go to my Instagram and Twitter accounts. You heard right. I've just launched a brand new Instagram page, so be sure to check it out regardless. On Instagram, simply follow my account and give this post a like. That's one entry. If you want to increase your chances of winning, share this post on your Insta story for an extra entry. A third and final entry can be obtained by going to my Twitter, following my account and retweeting this post. And that's it. As I said, there are three tablets to give away and three different ways to collect entries to increase your chances of winning. Two winners will be selected from Instagram and the other one will be from Twitter. I'll choose a winner a week or two from this video's upload date, and I'll contact you via Instagram and Twitter direct messages. So make sure your DMs are open. Good luck, everyone. Boom Bang was made by these Spanish guys. The whole purpose was to socialize with other players from all over the world.  But here is the character lineup I had to choose from when making an account. There were boomerang guys, cat girls, witches, music dudes, old hippies, nerds, and this. Once you choose your character, you can customize all the colors to your preferences. This included the skin tone. If you really wanted, you could choose bright neon green skin and nobody would judge. Anyway, my character was a witch, who I gave a purple color scheme. No surprise. I named myself Lily because I was strictly told to never reveal my name online. But guess what? Oh, brings a tear to my eye. As I continued this story, keep in mind, I was like eight or nine at this time. A child. The first thing I was told to do in this game was to obtain a boyfriend or girlfriend because it was the cool thing to do. So that's what I did. I became cool. On this fateful day, I hopped onto the painfully slow family computer and booted up the game to start my search for my suitable partner. I remember this day very vividly for some reason. Maybe because it was an over 40 degree Celsius day and the computer room just wasn't air conditioned. Just maybe. I wish I was kidding, but I used to sit in this room with cold washes on my head so I can keep gaming in this heat. In a small, humid room somewhere in remote Australia, a nine year old girl was sweating over her computer in search of her soulmate. Wow. Just realizing how sad this entire story is. Before we go any further, I just want to make it clear I wasn't serious about finding a boyfriend. It was purely for the fun of the game. Despite being so young, I would have never spoken to anybody outside the boundaries of the game and most certainly would never try and meet up with anybody over the internet. Luckily, I had this knowledge and fear hammered into me by my older brothers, but to anyone out there who isn't aware of how dangerous strangers can be online, please take your safety and privacy very seriously and very importantly, do not try and do what I was doing here. It's so dumb. Anyway, there were a few spots in the game that were more popular than the others, filling up with people whenever a vacancy was created. I loved how the characters would enter the chat rooms. Instead of walking in or just spawning in, they would fly in like this. This little purple witch wasn't having much luck in her pursuit though, then one of the music dudes flew in all by himself. He was perfect. This was my chance. I sat up in my seat, took a deep breath, and walked my character over to him confidently and just cut to the chase. Good evening, sir. You seem quite the gentleman. May you do me the incredible honor of becoming my boyfriend. My dear, I'm afraid it just isn't possible right now, for my heart belongs to someone else. I retreated to the corner to disguise my sadness from the group. Everybody saw these messages pop up on their screens. I was shattered. I just stood there for a while, composing myself, then out of nowhere, one of those cat girls entered the room. She walked right up to him and made the same move as I did. And he said yes. And then you know what?  Out of spite, I just stayed there with them both. I was the third wheel that no one wanted. That will get him. After becoming official, I guess they decided that they should probably actually get to know each other a little bit more. So they started asking questions. What is your favorite food? Potato. Me too. We are so alike. Should we kiss again? OMG, I love potatoes. What type are we talking? Are we talking chips, mashed McDonald's fries? They were very aware of what I was doing and soon left the room to avoid my interruptions. And then it was just me again, standing in a room surrounded by other people socializing and enjoying themselves. I was alone, just when I thought there was no hope for me. Another music dude flies in with a different hair color. It was like an angel descending from the heavens. I stood up in my seat once again. It was go time! Oh hi, my name is Lily. Oh hey, I'm Theo. Nice to meet you. I'm from Mexico. Oh my god, he loves me. Nice, wanna be my boyfriend? Absolutely. And just like that ladies and gentlemen, the online boyfriend dream turned into a success. 12 minutes later, we were still chatting randomly about nothing in particular. Wow Lily, this sunset is amazing. What sunset? Who cares? Lily, I've got something really important to ask you. Yeah? What's up? Lily, will you marry me? Absolutely! Let's just pretend I gave you a ring. Why thank you so much. I can't believe I'm getting married at nine years old. What? Just kidding. Hey sorry, I actually have to get offline now. I'll be on tomorrow so I'll see you then. Yeah, see you then. Oh, he said he would be here. He must be busy. Another day passes. Okay, maybe he forgot. He'll probably come online sometime today. Many weeks pass. Aw, months pass now. Okay, I think it's time to move on. He's not coming back for me so I think it's time to call a quits. I'm done. Hey, how are you doing husband? Ha ha ha, I haven't talked to you in ages. What's up? Ha ha ha, please talk to me. The day after that, I flew back into the popular location. Hello everyone. I just got a divorce and my husband doesn't even know. Ha ha ha, who wants to be my boyfriend? Oh, this game was an emotional roller coaster. It should have been a lot easier to fit in with the crowd when anonymous, but I struggled way more than the average player seemed to. I think it's clear to say I had a type. It was another music dude. As you can see, this one had blonde hair and bright red skin. He looked like a tomato, but that's okay. I was going to become cool again. Hi there. My name is Lily and I was wondering, would you like to be my boyfriend? Hi, my name is Chris. Yeah, okay. See these flowers in the ground? Yeah. Well, they're for you, but they're stuck there because they're part of the background of the game. Aw, that is so sweet. Oh, they smell so nice. Yeah, they do. Hey, you're not going to believe this, but I have to go. See you another time. Okay, all good. See you next time, girlfriend. Wait, you forgot my name? Not long after this, I kinda stopped playing the game. It's been days now, months even. I've been sitting here waiting for Lily's return, but nothing. I'm starting to get the feeling I've been left behind.  That's what I'd like to imagine happened anyway. Sorry, Chris. I didn't mean to Theo you like that. I want to say a big thanks to TJ and Brody for voicing Chris and Theo in today's video. I highly recommend checking out their videos if you haven't already, and I'll see you guys in my next video.