What You Can Learn About America from the deck of the USS Theodore Roosevelt

The Weekly Standard ^ | April 28, 2008 | P. J. O'Rourke

[USNA74]

Be sure to watch the PBS show “Carrier” — it begins on Sunday night (4/27) and runs for 3 nights, I believe. Supposed to be very good show about life on a deployed Carrier. US Navy cooperated and gave complete access. Make an exception and watch PBS for this one.

[edcoil]

My hope is that you do find the bad guys and not find us.

[American Quilter]

Sounds worth a look—thanks, USNA74!

[MNJohnnie]

PJ O’Rouke! Where the heck has he been hiding out?

[NTHockey]

As a former Marine who served two years on a Marine corps carrier - USS Princeton (LPH-5) - I can see both sides of your argument. Modern carriers and subs have technology I can only dream of and it is a on-going contest.

However, keep in mind, that carreirs and subs have different missions:subs can’t lauch planes to support Marines on the ground and carriers can’t stop missile-launching subs.

Princeton was a testimony to vulnerability. So much steel had been stripped when she was converted to LPH status, that only fleet ballistic subs could match her speed, 38 knots maxed out. Two of four 5” gun turrets were removed and only 2-5” single guns on the port side remained. All other guns and gun tubs were removed, as well as the arresting gear, half the crews quarters and anything else that could be taken out. Catapults stayed, only because they would have had to remove the sides.

Now despite all that speed, Princeton was actually hit with a torpedo that had been “accidentally” launched. Fortunately, it turned out to be a dud. But, as they say, that sure left a mark.

So you are both right.

Semper fi

[GATOR NAVY]

P. J. O'Rourke's father was a CPO...cool.

[SMARTY]

What a spectacular read!

[American Quilter]

IMO this is the best thing he’s written. Absolutely superb.

[edcoil]

We are both on the same side. Its our duty however that the different branches rib each other.

It’s what makes it all the more fun.

Guess all the speed did not outrun the sub after all.

[Vroomfondel]

ping

[ryan71]

“Oh, thanks! Just what a mom with a daughter on a carrier on deployment likes to read!”

Don't fret, your daughter is safer at sea than in your home town. Aircraft carriers don't operate alone.

What he does not tell you is that Kittyhawk, her 2 cruisers, 3 destroyers, ASW aircraft, and LA class attack sub were not at war looking for him.

If they were, he would have been running and hiding for his life, not sitting near the surface with his periscope up.

Carriers are by no means helpless and are far from obsolete.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

Some people say John McCain isn't conservative enough. But there's more to conservatism than low taxes, Jesus, and waterboarding at Gitmo. Conservatism is also a matter of honor, duty, valor, patriotism, self-discipline, responsibility, good order, respect for our national institutions, reverence for the traditions of civilization, and adherence to the political honesty upon which all principles of democracy are based.

Exactly. And that's why I'll be voting for McCain, flaws and all, and not sitting around waiting for Reagan's second coming.

[ryan71]

Sounds like Ed is a little jealous, to me.

Think about it. While you and I were partying in all those liberty ports, the bubbleheads rarley saw the light of day for 3 months at a time.

He'll probably come back and tell us how wonderful Scotland is.

[MNJohnnie]

...although some patriotic gushing is called for in America at the moment.

A strange flight it is--from the hard and fast reality of a floating island to the fantasy world of American solid ground. In this never-never land a couple of tinhorn Second City shysters--who, put together, don't have the life experience of the lowest ranking gob-with-a-swab cleaning a head on the Big Stick--presume to run for president of the United States. They're not just running against the hero John McCain, they're running against heroism itself and against almost everything about America that ought to be conserved.

Absolutely superb. When he is on his game, he is the best in the business. He is as charming in person as he is in print. I went to a book signing of his once. It was a joy.

[wita]

Not an expert in anti sub, but there has to be a number of protective rings around the carrier, that have to be breached before a torpedo shooting solution can be reached.

[American Quilter]

He is as charming in person as he is in print. I went to a book signing of his once. It was a joy.

Conservatives are just nicer than libs, that's all there is to it.

[Bender2]

Re: Now despite all that speed, Princeton was actually hit with a torpedo that had been “accidentally” launched. Fortunately, it turned out to be a dud. But, as they say, that sure left a mark.

Been googling USS Princeton (CV/CVA/CVS-37, LPH-5) and cannot find any mention of this. Not doubting your word, just want to know more about it!

[DustyMoment]

There are only two types of vessels in the Navy.

Your first vessel type explains why there are P-3s.

[DustyMoment]

but there has to be a number of protective rings around the carrier, that have to be breached before a torpedo shooting solution can be reached.

There are!

[USNBandit]

It takes almost two pages for the author to mention the secret weapon on the aircraft carrier. It isn't all the the technology, the weapons, and the aircraft. The secret weapon is the 19 year old who works 12+ hour shifts everyday, dragging fuel hoses, humping chains and gear on the flight deck, even cleaning toilets and working in the galley. They do it day in and day out, and are awesome.

Knowing these young Americans will give you hope for the future of this nation.