Free Republic

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2, 2007 – When a Military Sealift Command ship that routinely delivers ordnance to Navy ships makes its next delivery, the Pacific Fleet should be set for a movie marathon. As part of “Operation Popcorn,” the ammunition ship USNS Flint will distribute 250,000 bags of donated microwavable popcorn. “I am only too happy to be able to support this operation,” said civilian mariner Capt. Robert C. Holley, master of the Flint. The ship’s civilian mariners will deliver the buttery treats in addition to its already-planned cargo of ammunition. The Flint, which supports the Pacific Fleet, also will...

USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) departed its homeport of Norfolk, Va., Sept. 1 in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and state disaster relief operations following the massive devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The ongoing hurricane relief operations are an intensive humanitarian effort that involves many federal agencies, Department of Defense assets and all military branches. Truman expects to be on station off the U.S. Gulf Coast by Sept. 4. Truman will serve as a command and control platform for hurricane relief operations, as well as...

As a Vietnam veteran, Bakersfield resident Bob Blount said he will never oppose a sitting president during time of war. "I'm not pro-war," he said. "I know what war looks like. I've been through it." Blount was one of about a dozen locals who showed up to support the "You Don't Speak for Me, Cindy" tour during the organization's appearance Tuesday morning in Bakersfield. The caravan-style tour, which began in San Francisco on Monday, is a counter-protest of sorts, designed as a response to Cindy Sheehan, the military mom whose vigil near President Bush's ranch in Crawford, Texas has energized...