Sail Boston 2017 becomes Navy homecoming for McMinnville, Oregon family

Photo By Ensign Jordyn Diomede | 170615-N-ZU404-098 BOSTON (June 15, 2017) Fireman Apprentice Ethan Cape (far left), USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41)and a native of McMinnville, Oregon, reunites with his parents, Lisa and Chad, and his younger brother Grayson (far right), June 15. Whidbey Island and more than 50 Tall Ships from all over the world are participating in Sail Boston 2017, a five-day maritime festival in the Boston Harbor. The event gives Bostonians an opportunity to see firsthand the latest capabilities of today's sea services, as well as experience maritime history - both past and present. Boston is the only official U.S. port in the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta, a 70,000 nautical mile trans-atlantic race visiting six countries and concluding in Quebec City in celebration of Canada's 150th anniversary.(Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordyn Diomede/Released)  

BOSTON, MA, UNITED STATES

06.15.2017

Courtesy Story

Navy Region Mid-Atlantic

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Sandi Grimnes Moreno, Sail Boston Public Affairs

BOSTON – As USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) moored at the North Jetty Pier in Boston, a family from McMinnville, Oregon was anxiously waiting for their Sailor to cross the brow.

Chad and Lisa Cape, along with their son, Grayson, took a flight to Boston for the chance to spend time with their son, Navy Fireman Apprentice Ethan Cape during Sail Boston 2017.

Ethan left for boot camp at Great Lakes, Illinois in September of 2016. He visited home once in December of 2016 after completing “A” School, but this was the first time the family has been able to get together to experience the ship with him.

“I told (my parents) I was coming to Boston and they said they have never been, so I asked them to come out to visit,” he said.

For Chad, seeing the sheer size of the ship was impressive.

“I’ve seen it on the Internet, but it doesn’t compare to real life,” he said.

Ethan enlisted in the Navy to honor his family traditions of serving in the military. His mom’s family served in the Navy and his dad was in the Army 101st Airborne Division.

“I love it. I have a steady job and get to visit cool places most people don’t to see,” Ethan said when asked how he was adapting to Navy life. “I like being underway more than in port. I don’t get to operate engines when we are in port, and that is what I like to do.”

“I am very proud of Ethan serving his country,” said Lisa. “This is a good learning and life experience.”

While in Boston, Ethan plans to visit historical sites, see Fenway Park and hangout with his family.

Whidbey Island and more than 50 Tall Ships from all over the world are participating in Sail Boston 2017, a five-day maritime festival in the Boston Harbor. The event gives Bostonians an opportunity to see firsthand the latest capabilities of today's sea services, as well as experience maritime history – both past and present.

Boston is the only official U.S. port in the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta, a 70,000 nautical mile trans-atlantic race visiting six countries and concluding in Quebec City in celebration of Canada's 150th anniversary.

• Date Taken: 06.15.2017
• Date Posted: 06.16.2017 09:54
• Story ID: 238168
• Location: BOSTON, MA, US
• Hometown: MCMINNVILLE, OR, US