As many of you know, I am on the FBI SWAT team in Sacramento. Today, we were training for maritime ship assaults in the Bay Area. One portion of our training was to ride in small cost guard boats, and board and assault other target boats. After a few iterations, our Coast Guard captain decided it would be a good idea to replicate the intensity of harsh waves and performed some sharp turns at about 25-30 mph. I was standing on the edge of the boat, holding on, but not enough apparently.

The boat threw me overboard into the freezing bay. Now, let me explain that our SWAT kit consists of an M-4 assault rifle, pistol, bullet-proof vest, trauma plates to stop large caliber rounds in the front and back, boots, kevlar helmet, and a flame-resistant uniform. Total weight? About 40 lbs (only because we weren't carrying ammo).

As I flew off the boat and watched the water quickly approaching, my thoughts were, "Just remember which way is up, because as soon as you hit that water, you are going to have to swim as hard as you can to stay above water."After sinking several feet, my water-activated PFD (personal flotation device), filled with forced CO2 and brought me to the surface. Honestly, the closest I've ever felt to death in a career that occassionally causes me to encounter some pretty crazy situations. I LOVE IT!!!!

Also, I had both my work-issued BlackBerry, and my iPhone in my pocket. So for those of you who thought I was ignoring you today, I assure you I had a perfectly good reason for not returning texts or phone calls. I was able to get my iPhone replaced, but won't be able to sync it with my computer until Friday, so I don't have anyone's phone number.