Posted on 06/07/2004 1:58:28 AM PDT by kattracks
WASHINGTON - Somewhere in the South Atlantic yesterday, the 5,500 sailors aboard a nuclear-powered memorial to Ronald Reagan gave their pledge to a safer America in his name."We join the country in mourning the loss of a great American," said the message from skipper Capt. J.W. Goodwin and his crew on the Ronald Reagan. "We will endeavor to carry out our namesake's message and our ship's motto - 'Peace through Strength.'"
The carrier's message noted Reagan's warning given on the D-Day commemoration in 1984: "We will always be prepared so we may always be free."
The $4.4 billion carrier was named for the 40th President, but the 1,092-foot-long flattop with more than 80 war planes aboard was put to sea through the persistence of former First Lady Nancy Reagan.
With her husband disabled by Alzheimer's, Mrs. Reagan served as the ship's "sponsor" in gaining funding. She christened the 95,000-ton Reagan in 2001 and presided at the ship's commissioning last July.
Mrs. Reagan even approved the designs for the ship's seal and battle flag suggested by the carrier's "plankowners" - the first crew aboard.
The Reagan is on a two-month training cruise around South America to its new homeport in San Diego and its possible first battle posting to the Persian Gulf, said Lt. Cmdr. Danny Hernandez, a Navy spokesman.
At her commissioning last summer at the Norfolk, Va., naval base, Mrs. Reagan took a star turn. She gave the command that officially bestowed the "USS" (United States Ship) designation to the Reagan as a commissioned fighting ship of the line: "Man this ship and bring her alive!"
At her order, the 5,500 sailors of the Reagan roared "Aye Aye Ma'am!" and dashed up gangways and ladders in their dress whites to set the first watch.
Skipper Goodwin said, "Quite frankly, I cannot think of a better name for an aircraft carrier than Ronald Reagan."
Originally published on June 7, 2004
Why not go home to America?...Too busy helping the commies?
Communist infiltrator ping.
To the owner of this obvious throw-away account: I recommend DemocraticUnderground.com. They take interest in slanderous, hate-filled garbage like what you posted.
We don't.
Dean for President supporter....I googled
I love it that a carrier ,symbol of strength, is named for Ronald Reagan..He was determined, strong in his convictions, had faith in America and sailed on through all the left wing slams.
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