Military Balls are a thing and the Submarine Birthday Ball is every year in April. Submarines were born on April 11th, 1900 (Yes, unbelievably they are that old!)
They have been on hold for the last couple years, but this year we pulled it off (despite a couple captains having COVID and it basically turning into a super spreader event).
The sub ball was Saturday so we booked a couple nights stay at the hotel and thankfully we did because check-in lines were INCREDIBLY long; we would’ve been very delayed had we checked in the day of. Friday night we barely made it to our dinner at Roy’s. I thought it was just ok for the cost.
The next day was pretty crappy weather. We only had the morning to hang out because I booked a hair appointment for an “Uptini” at DryBar in Honolulu. DryBar is a place where you can get a drink and your hair done (not cut). Well, apparently they are not known for their Uptinis and they re-did my hair not once but twice and it still did not look great. I walked into the hotel in tears over that and a lot of other drama happening that just all cumulated. All that to say Brian cheered me up and I fixed up a couple things of my hair and we went on with the night. This is the second time this has happened; Brian is not allowing me to go get my hair done anymore, ha.
On to happier things, we started with a pre-game party in our Captain’s suite which had a great balcony and view of Diamondhead and took some pictures along the way.
The men have the option of changing out their dress white sleeves and back with Hawaiian shirt print. I think theirs came out really classy. Pictured below are the Department Heads (Brian, Avery, Chip)
We probably should’ve taken a better picture of the whole officer crew in a wider space but oh well.
And the females
One of Brian’s right hand men
Every boat makes their own centerpiece. Ours was a water fountain and a vicious barbie. The boat “icon” is a sea faring version of Lady Liberty so I think that’s what they were trying for.
Someone else’s was a lego Submarine.
We start with food, then there is a ceremony part after. They ring a bell and have a slideshow for all the Submarines that have not returned. There’s a speech from someone. And the officers walk down the middle of the ballroom and introduce the captains. Here’s the recording of ours:
Then there was dancing and formal pictures and of course cake.
Overall I enjoyed myself. I’m glad for an excuse to dress up, but it was definitely a lot of money and a lot of work and honestly I didn’t have a ton of fun. But, I’m glad we went.