Aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln - A First Hand Report

myself ^ | May 9, 2003 | myself

[Michael.SF.]

We have just returned from Everett after meeting our son who serves on board the Lincoln. I thought that there might be enough interest to justify putting this in breaking news, although it really is a vanity report.

Some comments:

First, my son, and most of the sailors where thrilled to have the President on board. He termed it a "huge" honor. The Lincoln is also about to receive a Presidential Unit Citation, which was another reason to justify the trip to the Lincoln. During the 9 month deployment the Lincoln served in the Afghanistan Action, Southern Watch and in Operation Iraqi Freedom. They flew an untold number of missions and did not lose a single plane either to attack or mechanical problems. Also every sailor that left Everett on July 20,2002 returned home safely on May 6, 2003 (or before).

My son also reported to us three weeks ago that they would be home on May 6th and that we could make plans accordingly. Thus hotel room, plane and car reservations and even tickets to take in the Mariners, were all made, before we knew that the President would be speaking. They arrived home on schedule.

This dispels Democratic lies that the trip by the President delayed the trip home of the arriving ship.

Contrary to other reports the ship was not stopped. Instead it was "crawling" along at 3 knots. Thus President Bush became the first Presiden to land in an airplane on a moving ship.

My son, who was located approximately where the sailors are standing in the above picture, although he apparently is not visible, stated that after the speech was over he found himself walkng next to Ari Fleischer, as they headed below. They engaged in a bit of small talk for several minutes, with Mr. Fleischer expressing sincere interest and gratitude to my son and in what his job assignment was and in how the trip went. My son was most favorably impressed with Mr. Fleischer.

I asked if thy had to go to any extra efforts to get the ship ship-shape for the President. His comment was no, not really, were always cleaning that 'damn boat'.

Anyway, I hope that you guys will forgive the vanity, but I thought some might want to have a more direct report. Thanks!

The President also later ate with the crew, as did much of the entourage.

[The FRugitive]

Technically speaking that's second hand. :p

[The FRugitive]

Also every sailor that left Everett on July 20,2002 returned home safely on May 6, 2003

I recall Bush refering to a corporal being lost? Who was that, and how was he related to the ship?

[Tijeras_Slim]

We are fortunate to have men like your son in this country.

[Psycho_Bunny]

Sweet!

[FrogFish]

Oh heck...first hand, second hand. I'll take it either way.

Michael.SF. thanks for your post. Let your son know we thank him, and are greatful for his service to our country.

[Grampa Dave]

God Bless you as a parent of a great young sailor. Kudos to him and his very capable crewmates on the AL.

Thanks for posting this re schedules and other data.

[ewing]

I predict this will get about 1,000 responses by tomorrow..and thanks for what your family has given!

[FrogFish]

*Sorry, I didn't think and piggy-backed this in another response. (Ping to Michael.SF.)*

Michael.SF. thanks for your post. Let your son know we thank him, and are greatful for his service to our country.

[Adrastus]

What was that sound? Sounds like teeth grinding together.That wouldn't be another blathering response coming from the "loyal" opposition, would it?

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Thank you for this report and for your wonderful son!!! God bless him and thank God for him coming home safely! (ping - more counter to the leftist lies).

[Conservative Iowan]

Awesome! Thank your son for me, for serving our country bravely!

[husky ed]

were always cleaning that 'damn boat'.

Their always policing the deck of those things to keep things from being sucked into the jets engines?

Only a maroon wouldn't know that! Oh yeah, forgot. We're talking about Dems and the press.

[PigRigger]

"I hope that you guys will forgive the vanity"

Forgive!? Absolutely not! We owe your son and your family a debt of gratitude that can hardly be expressed in words.

THANK YOU for raising such a child! Please thank him for sacrificing so much for my family!

[Blueflag]

Posts like this are always welcome.

I am curious that your text stated "most of the ..." [crew] was happy to see the Prez on board.

Did your son mention that some of the crew grumbled?

Just curious.

thanks for the post, and God bless you and your family.

[3D-JOY]

I too take the chance to thank your son for his service.

I am glad to be among the 1000 predicted to do so!

[anniegetyourgun]

What a great report - thanks for telling us all about it!

[Luke FReeman]

Thanks, to you and to your son.

[theriotcat]

Sweepers man your brooms Clean sweep down fore and aft!!

Good post on the return Thanks

[johnnybobs]

Bravo-Zulu