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I just couldn’t pass up that layup of a headline! Yes, I got arrested…an arrested landing,
to be more specific. And then they threw me off the bow of the ship the next day (in a
COD of course), so all in all it was one for the books! Last week was my first trip to an
aircraft carrier at sea, and this was the one where Osama bin Laden was sent to his
final resting place.
Before dinner, Admiral Perez gave a really great overview of what the Carrier Strike Group
Vinson’s role is, and the kind of high-quality personnel who make it all happen. We explored
the whole ship—from the berthing rooms, to the gyms, to the dental offices—and were very
well briefed at each stop. A few of the things I learned while on board particularly stood out.
First, the 70-80-90 rule: 70% of the earth is covered in water, 80% of the earth’s population
lives within 100 miles of the coast, 90% of the world’s commerce takes place on the oceans.
Clearly, our Navy’s vital role in maintaining our defense superiority cannot be overstated.
Second, I wish all Americans had the opportunity to see America’s hardest working young
men and women (half of the USS Vinson’s crew of nearly 5,000 are under the age of 21)
thriving in their element. Whether on the flight deck getting the catapult ready, or on the
bridge “driving,” or in the bowels of the ship making way for an F-18 Super Hornet coming
down for repair, they are smart, happy, and hard-working individuals. Admiral Perez said
it best: “As cool as our technology is, our people are the real treasure of the Navy.”
Thank you, USS Vinson, for an unforgettable, up close look at one of the reasons why
America’s defense remains strong.
—Sharlene |
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