Posted by Larry Edgar on January 10, 2009 at 1:00pm
I just finished watching the commissioning of the Navy's latest entry to the fleet, the USS George H W Bush, CVN77. I was pretty moved by this.I left the Navy in Februrary 1980, almost 29 years ago. But today as I watch this ship come to life I found myself a bit teary eyed. Suddenly it was 1974 again, I was 19 years old and standing at the gangway of my first ship, the USNS Harkness. The excitement, the unknown, the adventure ahead....well, it was just pretty damn cool to see this event today.I was also moved by what must have been an amazing event for current President Bush to dedicate and oversee the commissioning of CVN77 being named for his Dad. Say what you will about either man, but what a great moment for father and son.Welcome to the fleet CVN77 and may you have fair winds and following seas.Larry
Yes, the tear was there...with a lump in the throat too. A very moving event! Congratulations to the entire Bush Family and to the United States Navy. Looks like a GREAT ship. Well done!
Hey Ya'll, Brother Navy Veterans, these are my feelings exactly. As a Navy Veteran of the Vietnam era, comming from a Navy oriented family, this brought tears to my eyes also. My Grandad ran away from home at the age of 14 to become a sailmaker on the Tall ships,and retired a Navy Harbor master at Charleston, S.C. Naval Base. He died at 105 yrs old and still had salt water in his veins. I know in my heart he is looking down on this great ship, with his chest swelled up and tears in his eyes. God bless this ship and all that serve aboard her.
Tim, I agree with you about the USS Jimmy Carter. Still haven't seen the Commissioning Ceremony yet, just news clips and articles. LOL to all Sailors, be Proud take care of her, and she'll take care of you.
I also was moved by the whole event not only as a Navy Veteran but as an American witnessing the newest ship come to service. Seeing Father and Son together for the special event was moving that I could only imagine the 'high' the Bush Family must be on right now. Great stuff! What a nice touch seeing the TBM fly-by after the F/A-18 formation in honor of Bush Sr. for his duty in World War 2.
Welcome CVN77 to the Fleet. What a Beautiful ship!
Now, I wish the Navy would rename the USS Jimmy Carter to something more appropriate.
Comments
Tim, I agree with you about the USS Jimmy Carter. Still haven't seen the Commissioning Ceremony yet, just news clips and articles. LOL to all Sailors, be Proud take care of her, and she'll take care of you.
I also was moved by the whole event not only as a Navy Veteran but as an American witnessing the newest ship come to service. Seeing Father and Son together for the special event was moving that I could only imagine the 'high' the Bush Family must be on right now. Great stuff! What a nice touch seeing the TBM fly-by after the F/A-18 formation in honor of Bush Sr. for his duty in World War 2.
Welcome CVN77 to the Fleet. What a Beautiful ship!
Now, I wish the Navy would rename the USS Jimmy Carter to something more appropriate.