Free Republic

The Bremerton-based aircraft carrier, the USS John C. Stennis, will deploy four months early to the Persian Gulf. To thank sailors for their service, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta visited U.S. Naval Base Kitsap at Bremerton Wednesday.Speaking to the more than 2,000 men and women of the Stennis strike group, Panetta said U.S. military needs them."I understand that its tough, we're asking an awful lot of each of you. But frankly, you are the best I have and when the world calls we have to respond," he told them.Panetta will spend the rest of the day on base, meeting with...