Posted on 07/23/2004 10:00:59 AM PDT by Pylon
Just got home. It was really fabulous.
Travis McGee's boat is gorgeous. We were right
in the middle of a huge flotilla of boats
sailing right alongside the USS RWR. It
was magnificent. I'll never forget it.
We were close enough to see the sailors
standing at attention in their dress whites.
That sight alone was overwhelming. I loved
every minute of our voyage.
The ship is magnificent. Stunning. I am
at a loss for proper words to describe her.
President Reagan deserves no less and I am
certain he is honored, humbled and hopefully
pleased.
I have beautiful photos of the flotilla
and the ship, but I can't figure out how
to post them here. I will print them and
take them to Jim's dinner tomorrow and hopefully
someone will have a scanner for a later posting.
Thak you so much TravisMcGee. It was an honor
to sail with you. Hildy, I adore you.
ABOARD THE USS RONALD REAGAN: A smiling Nancy Reagan greeted sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan on Friday as it arrived at its homeport in San Diego Bay for the first time.
Thousands of spectators, mainly relatives of sailors aboard the ship, filled grandstands along the pier at Naval Air Station North Island in Coronado. Others lined the mainland side of San Diego Bay to witness the arrival of the Navy's newest carrier.
Under overcast skies, a flotilla of pleasure boats and fire boats shooting 50-foot streams of water escorted the ship, and sailors in white uniforms lined its edges as it reached the dock to the cheers of the crowd.
Mrs. Reagan had arrived aboard the ship by helicopter as the vessel approached the San Diego coast Friday morning.
Deputy Defense Secretary Paul Wolfowitz greeted her on deck before Mrs. Reagan, wearing a white pant suit, passed along rows of sailors, shaking their hands and exchanging greetings.
The late president's son Michael Reagan, actor Tom Selleck, the country music group SHeDAISY and the news media were also aboard, after flying out a day earlier as the ship cruised hundreds of miles offshore.
The USS Reagan towers 20 stories above the waterline and is nearly as long as the Empire State Building is tall. Its flight deck covers 4 1/2 acres.
Mrs. Reagan had christened the partially completed ship in 2001, breaking a bottle of American sparkling wine against its bow. She was on hand in Norfolk, Va., again last year when it was commissioned, telling the crew to "bring her to life."
Capt. Andres "Drew" Brugal, the executive officer, said he thrilled to be hosting Mrs. Reagan aboard the ship.
"Obviously it's kind of a sad time right now, so close to the president's death. She's the sponsor of the ship and we're very happy to see her," he said.
Mrs. Reagan visited the ship's Ronald Reagan Room, a museum featuring the former president's cavalry uniform, movie posters, a video presentation and a chunk of the Berlin wall.
In a nod to Reagan's Hollywood days, the ship also has a celebrity walk of fame with such names as Alfred Hitchcock and Spencer Tracy on the mess deck.
Ahead of the ship's arrival, a carnival atmosphere prevailed along the pier. SeaWorld workers dressed as whales and a Navy band playing rock music shared space with vendors hawking souvenirs, soft drinks and commercial services.
"I think it's a special ship, and it's named for a special person" said Gail Everett, 46, who drove from Atlanta to attend the ceremony and see her son, a sailor aboard the USS Reagan.
The ship sailed May 27 from Norfolk with a crew of 3,600, making its lengthy journey through the Straits of Magellan at the tip of South America.
Reagan died June 5 at 93.
"It was probably most fitting and most appropriate that at the time of his passing, a carrier strike group named in his honor was in fact conducting the very same kind of operations that he espoused through his presidency "peace through strength," said Rear Adm. Robert Moeller, who commands the carrier strike group named for Reagan.
Associated Press writer Seth Hettena in Coronado contributed to this report.
bump
Under overcast skies, a flotilla of pleasure boats and fire boats shooting 50-foot streams of water escorted the ship, and sailors in white uniforms lined its edges as it reached the dock to the cheers of the crowd.
And we were one of the pleasure boats in the flotilla!
So was Dennis Conner's boat... the one that one the sailing
cup. What it's name?
another "wish I could have been there" bump
"Stars and Stripes," I believe.
Great "after-action report," Onyx. Thanks for posting it. Let's my imagination see the scene in my mind's eye.
Ditto, ditto, ditto. The name of Connors' boat is The STARS AND STRIPES! Photos will be forthcoming!
Ditto, ditto, ditto. The name of Connors' boat is The STARS AND STRIPES! Photos will be forthcoming!
How wonderful for Nancy.
I'm telling you, the ship
lined with the sailors was
a sight I shall never forget.
You have FR and you know why. LOL!
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), May 27, 2004 - Commanding Officer of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Capt. James Symonds, checks a radar screen on the bridge while the ship departs Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk, Va. The ship is circumnavigating South America during its transit to its new homeport of San Diego. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate Airman Paul H. Laverty Jr.
USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), May 27, 2004 - Operations Specialist 1st Class Daniel K. Bearden, of Mansfield, Ohio, shipping officer of the watch, keeps a look out for shipping traffic during sea and anchor detail as USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) departs Naval Station Norfolk. The ship is currently underway enroute to its new homeport of San Diego. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Kitt Amaritnant.
I live a couple of miles from the harbor.
It was wonderful seeing the USS Reagan.
Now that is a Flag!!!
Thanks, but I reckon I better try to
resend you the flotilla pics.
Cool!!! Thanks for posting the photos. In some ways, they're better than the media photos.
Your file was so big, I had to reduce it. But here is a closeup of some of the smaller boats.
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