We had 110 reenlistments while we were in the Persian Gulf and awarded more than $777,000 of selective reenlistment bonuses.

They know they are inferior to the U.S. Navy in the Persian Gulf, so this is their way of telling Americans .... we are not the only ones who would lose out if talks regarding the nuclear program fail.

Many studies have shown that Sailors are more likely to reenlist when they are serving with a clearly defined purpose, in this case in the global war on terrorism. Certainly, incentives like reenlistment bonuses play a part in their decision to stay in the Navy, but it's also something bigger than that. People like to be a part of something bigger than themselves - that is what serving in the Navy is all about. They are making a difference in the world, and you can't put a price tag on that.

Good retention is the reflection of good leadership. Every leader on this ship plays a role in our retention numbers. Our Command Retention Team is good and getting better every day.

We were impressed with the size and scope of the Persian Gulf as we traveled to Islamabad, Pakistan.

Investors in Egyptian stocks are psychologically affected by today's declines in Persian Gulf markets.