Comissioning of the USS Ronald Reagan

[Grom 0]

(I thought this was interesting considering the Aegis motto is "Peace through strength."  The motto of the USS Ronald Reagan is "Strength through peace.")

 

 

By SONJA BARISIC

Associated Press Writer

 

July 12, 2003, 12:32 PM EDT

 

 

NORFOLK, Va. -- With the order "Bring her to life," former first lady Nancy Reagan commissioned the Navy's newest aircraft carrier Saturday and sent lines of sailors streaming onto the USS Ronald Reagan.

 

The carrier, nearly 1,100 feet long and standing 20 stories above the waterline, is the first to be named for a living president.

 

Ronald Reagan, now 92 and ailing with Alzheimer's disease, didn't attend the ceremony at Norfolk Naval Station, but he was praised by speakers at the commissioning.

 

Today's Navy is in many ways a monument to Reagan's vision, Vice President Dick Cheney told the crowd of hundreds that applauded under a clear blue sky.

 

"He came to the presidency with a clear understanding of the tools our Navy would need to protect the American people," Cheney told the crowd.

 

The Reagan, expected to serve the Navy for more than 50 years, will be based in San Diego, be home to 6,000 sailors and carry more than 80 aircraft. With two nuclear reactors, the carrier can travel faster than 30 knots and operate for 20 years without refueling.

 

"Quite frankly, there's not a better name for an aircraft carrier than Ronald Reagan," said the ship's commanding officer, Capt. Bill Goodwin.

 

Petty Officer 1st Class Paul Fulsom became the first sailor assigned to the USS Ronald Reagan when he was transferred from Bahrain three years ago after the birth of his daughter, who needed surgery.

 

He's watched the carrier's construction since he reported to the Reagan on May 26, 2000. At the time, "you could look from the hangar bay up to the sky," the 32-year-old said.

 

Fulsom, of Yakima, Wash., says he's proud to serve on a carrier named after the nation's 40th president: "To have my name in the same sentence as the former president is an honor in itself."

 

* __

 

On the Net:

 

USS Ronald Reagan: http://www.reagan.navy.mil/

 

Commission ceremony: http://www.ussronaldreagan.org/

Copyright © 2003, The Associated Press

[Dumbass 0]

(I thought this was interesting considering the Aegis motto is "Peace through strength."  The motto of the USS Ronald Reagan is "Strength through peace.")

I think "Peace through Strength" would have been better for the Reagan - and I mean that in a good way.

[Grom 0]

I'm sorry, I had that opposite...the Reagan motto is "Peace through Strength" and the Aegis motto is "Strength through Peace."  :D

[LoAmi 0]

(I thought this was interesting considering the Aegis motto is "Peace through strength."  The motto of the USS Ronald Reagan is "Strength through peace.")

Just watched "Dr Strangelove" again and looked at all those background signs that said "Peace is our profession." :: shivers ::

 

Was going to make some comments about the ex-president, but decided against it to avoid a political debate.

[Grom 0]

Was going to make some comments about the ex-president, but decided against it to avoid a political debate.

Very wise Loami...very wise. :D

[Travis Kroells 0]

Strength through peace...I have trouble believing that we'll get stronger by being buddies with every one...::inserts 2 cents::

[Grom 0]

I didn't come up with it. :D