Posted on 03/07/2004 3:54:33 PM PST by BykrBayb
Story Number: NNS040304-08 Release Date: 3/5/2004 12:03:00 AM
By Journalist Seaman Richard Locklear, USS Enterprise Public Affairs
ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- As the deployment of USS Enterprise (CVN 65) ended Feb. 29, its crew hosted a “Tiger Cruise” for family and friends to give them a taste of life aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier.
Approximately 1,500 new Enterprise, also know as "Big E," shipmates embarked for the final leg of the journey home from Mayport, Fla., to the carrier’s homeport of Norfolk, Va.
According to Big E’s Tiger Cruise coordinator Lt. Curness Pierre Russell, the Tiger Cruise was a chance to show off the ship to proud family and friends while highlighting Big E’s contributions to the global war on terrorism.
“We thought this would be an opportunity to show the flag and let our friends and families witness what we’ve been doing out here these last six months,” he said. “And I can’t think of a better recruiting tool for the young people who are potential future Sailors.”
"We brought our families on board who have supported us and made sacrifices of their own while we were gone, to show them the skills and training we’ve used in defense of this country against terrorism," said Capt. Eric Neidlinger, Big E’s commanding officer. “And they loved it. Now many of these people who have never had any connection with the military before, other than the people on this ship, have a better understanding of the hard work and professionalism these Sailors and Marines have displayed throughout the deployment.”
While embarked, the Tigers observed a variety of events, including an air show featuring aircraft launches and recoveries, a 50-cal. machine gun live fire exercise, tours of the ship and a game of bingo broadcast over the ship’s television system, with prizes awarded to the winners.
For the Tigers, experiencing the Navy way was exciting. “I really enjoyed seeing the air show and also seeing up close what my daughter has been doing these past six months,” said Francine Morel, mother of Storekeeper 2nd Class (AW) Jezabel Welch of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123.
“My favorite part of this Tiger Cruise experience was when I first came on board in Mayport and saw a young Sailor reunited with his wife for the first time,” said Willie Miller, father of Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Willie Miller Jr. of Big E’s Engineering Department. “They just stood there and hugged each other for the longest time. It was nice.”
The Tiger Cruise allowed Big E’s Sailors and Marines a chance to introduce their loved ones to the shipmates they’ve served side-by-side with for the past six months. For the families and friends, it was an early reunion. For all hands, the Tiger Cruise meant one thing--Enterprise is home.
For related news, visit the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn65.
Related Stories:
Enterprise Carrier Strike Group to Return from Deployment - 2/24/2004
USS Enterprise Begins Operations with U.S. 6th Fleet - 2/12/2004
Enterprise Takes Part in Exercise Sea Saber - 1/25/2004
040229-N-7097H-008 Naval Station Norfolk, Va. (Feb. 29, 2004) – A line handler waits as USS Enterprise (CVN 65) approaches the pier at her homeport of Naval Station Norfolk, Norfolk Va. The carrier and its strike group are returning after completing a six-month deployment in support of the global war of terrorism, including Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Sondra Howett. (RELEASED)
Go Big E!
B-Chan
Former MM3, USS ENTERPRISE CVN-65
According to Big E’s Tiger Cruise coordinator Lt. Curness Pierre Russell, the Tiger Cruise was a chance to show off the ship to proud family and friends while highlighting Big E’s contributions to the global war on terrorism....
"We brought our families on board who have supported us and made sacrifices of their own while we were gone, to show them the skills and training we’ve used in defense of this country against terrorism," said Capt. Eric Neidlinger, Big E’s commanding officer. “And they loved it. Now many of these people who have never had any connection with the military before, other than the people on this ship, have a better understanding of the hard work and professionalism these Sailors and Marines have displayed throughout the deployment.”
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We are winning ~ the bad guys are losing ~ trolls, terrorists, democrats and the mainstream media are sad ~ very sad!
I feel sorry for those that did not get a chance to experience the thrill of being on active duty in the great United States Navy!
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