Posted on 07/23/2004 10:00:59 AM PDT by Pylon
A tribute to former president Ronal Reagan plays on a video monitor next to the USS Nimitz during an arrival ceremony for the Navy's newest aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (news - web sites) with its 3,000 crew members at their new homeport at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego July 23, 2004. REUTERS/Mike Blake
Thu Jul 22, 6:21 PM ET
Actor Tom Selleck, right, walks the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (news - web sites), Thursday, July 22, 2004, somewhere off the coast of California. The Navy's newest aircraft carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan, will get a presidential-style welcome when it arrives at its new homeport of San Diego Friday morning. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Thu Jul 22, 6:18 PM ET
Michael Reagan son of former President Ronald Reagan (news - web sites) watches an E-2C Hawkeye launch off the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), Thursday, July 22, 2004, somewhere off the coast of California. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
ping
At the least, a great excuse to get down to the bay and get some fresh air. $:-)
If you so, say hi to that waterfront that I recall so well!
Cool, my stepson and his wife are at the event. They work for a food supplier.
My wife and I get to babysit for granddaughter and grandson for the weekend. Double Cool
Peace Through Strength ping
At the least, a great excuse to get down to the bay and get some fresh air. $:-)
If you so, say hi to that waterfront that I recall so well!
Interesting tidbit...The anchors on the USS Reagan are from the USS Ranger
ABOARD THE USS RONALD REAGAN - A smiling Nancy Reagan greeted sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (news - web sites) on Friday as it steamed toward its homeport in San Diego Bay for the first time.
Making her first public appearance since her husband's death, Mrs. Reagan was flown to the ship off the San Diego coast Friday morning.
Meanwhile, thousands of spectators, mainly relatives of sailors aboard the ship, arrived early to witness the impending arrival, filling 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.
Behind the grandstand, images from Reagan's life flashed on a huge screen.
"I think its a special ship and its 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 late president's son Michael Reagan was flown to the aircraft carrier Thursday morning as it steamed hundreds of miles offshore. Celebrities such as actor Tom Selleck and members of the news media also were brought aboard at that time, ahead of Mrs. Reagan's arrival on the ship.
"It's really such a pleasure to be here," Michael Reagan told a gathering of crew members.
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 hosting Mrs. Reagan aboard the ship would be a thrill.
"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. Her only request was she wanted to see the sailors and see the Ronald Reagan Room," he said. The room is a museum featuring wardrobe from Reagan's movies, posters and a video presentation.
Ahead of the ship's arrival, a carnival atmosphere prevailed along the pier where family members eagerly waited. SeaWorld workers dressed as whales and a Navy band playing rock music shared space with vendors hawking souvenirs, soft drinks and commercial services.
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.
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.
As a nod to Reagan's Hollywood days, the ship has a celebrity walk of fame with such names as Alfred Hitchcock and Spencer Tracy on the mess deck.
Be still my heart!
Ah, I will be in San Diego in early August.
Hope I get the chance to see this magnificent ship up close!
Watched her come in from 24 floors up. A truly inspiring sight.
Sweet.
I don't see any pics of Ron...guess he's too busy with his cats.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.