In 1991, I was in the Gulf in the MarDet on CV-61. A Russian destroyer from the Black Sea Fleet was working with us; the Gen Vinogrdov, IIRC. Leaning over the railing watching it sail next to us one day, I made the comment that it was hard to believe the Russians were our friends.
A crusty Gunny was next to me and I can still remember his prophetic words, to this day. Without looking at me he said, “Son, make no mistakes about it, the Russians are not and will never be our friends.”
“You can’t trust the Russians”. - Jeanne Kirkpatrick
My compliments to a man off the Ranger. Your gunny was very precient. I often get the feeling we were set-up.
Out of curiosity, why do people now refer to carriers as "CV's" now instead of CVA's (or CVAN in the case of old Showboat)?