USS Enterprise Distinguished Visitor Embark

On May 30-31, 2007, Suzy Kelly was invited to embark aboard the USS Enterprise along with nine other business leaders from around the country. We were graciously extended this invitation by Captain James Taylor, Director of Public Affairs for the U.S. Navy. Since the invitation was extended while the aircraft carrier was out to sea, a tail hook landing via a C-2 Greyhound was the mode of transportation to the ship. Thankfully, the tailhook successfully grabbed the cable on the first landing attempt! A rather apprehensive group of first time tailhookers exploded in applause at our abrupt but successful landing.

Landing aboard an aircraft carrier while at sea is an exciting adventure. With our "cranials" tightly affixed to our heads, our emergency floating devices (a.k.a life vests) secured over our shoulders, our goggles in place and our harnesses securely attaching us to our seats, we were well prepared for a wet or dry landing! Of course, we all hoped to reach the dry ship rather than swim our way aboard. The cue for us to prepare for landing came from a very faint voice over the intercom excitedly exclaiming, "Here we go, here we go, here we go!" Upon hearing this exclamation, we all assumed a somewhat fetal position, as would be allowed by our seat harnesses, in anticipation of the abrupt landing.

Upon landing, our backward-facing seats allowed us to watch as the back hatch opened to let in the bright light of day. We were temporarily blinded by this brightness, as our dimly lit, windowless aircraft allowed no natural light in. As our eyes adjusted to the light, we walked onto the ship's deck to be greeted by two rows of sailors, saluting us in welcome. This was the beginning of our interface with ship's force. What a warm welcome by the sailors on board the USS Enterprise, affectionately known as the "Big E."

Our first stop was the Captain's conference area. Here, we removed the flight gear to unveil our "cranial hair" which is nothing short of hat hair on steroids. We were briefed by the Commanding Officer, Captain Horton, and introduced to our official tour guides. One of our ambassadors while on the tour was Officer Amy Bryer, one of the ship's dentists. Her availability during our overnight visit was a testament to the excellent preventive dental care that kept the sailors from dental ails and allowed her time away from the "chair." The hospitality she showed us during our visit was very warm and very much appreciated.

Following the Captains briefing, we began our experience on board with a tour of the many areas of the ship and meeting the sailors that are committed to their job and to their country. It's not a life of personal comfort living aboard a ship with over 5000 fellow shipmates. And, if stairs are not your favorite mode of moving around, this life isn't for you! The folks we met during our trip were mostly very young, 19-22 years old, very intelligent, and extremely knowledgeable about their area of performance. From the sailors in the galley to the air boss responsible for the safe take off and landing of the aircraft, everyone we met was truly professional.

Included in our tour was the missile area where missiles are assembled prior to deployment, the navigational area, "command central" where all vital information is contained and transmitted, living quarters, the "mess", the hangar bay area, and the flight deck. We probably climbed over 200 flights of stairs during our short visit.

One of the highlights of our tour was our time on the flight deck. Here, we again donned our cranials and our life vest and headed onto the massive deck that allows no room for human error. We witnessed the confident, skilled pilots take-off and land time and again as the evening approached. These aircraft were merely feet away from where we were standing as their tail hook successfully engaged with the deck cable. Although the ship's deck was massive to us as we stood there in amazement, to a fighter pilot it is a very small speck in the ocean that is very unforgiving if a mistake is made.

In order to accomplish these successful missions time and again, it takes the cooperation of teams of sailors and the unwavering attention to detail by each individual. A mistake on board an aircraft carrier can be fatal to many. Just to provide perspective, simply maintaining the appropriate wind speed across the flight deck for safe landings requires many people working together, communicating with one another, and committed to the mission. The officers and the enlisted crew on board the USS Enterprise were an exceptional team of highly trained and motivated professionals!

As our first day on board was coming to a close, around 11PM, we enjoyed a "treat" at the mess hall. Commonly known as "midrats", the crew would gather to enjoy a meal prior to retiring for the night. A hamburger with a fried egg on top, a "slider," is the bedtime snack of choice. Of course, this may be a bedtime snack for some, but much of the crew is working throughout the night on their night-ops. Night operations literally take place all night. Being a light sleeper, I got very little rest as I could hear the planes landing and the maintenance crews working three flights above my cabin as the continual announcements could be heard over the loud speakers. From what I am told, it only takes a few nights on board to acclimate to these conditions and restful sleep naturally occurs particularly after the great demands of the day.

Our second day on board was as exciting as the first, taking time to meet the people that are proudly serving our country in great ways that, we at home, take for granted. The leadership on board the USS Enterprise should be commended for serving as outstanding role models and developing the confidence, the commitment to the mission, and the character of those they lead.

As our journey on board the Big E was coming to a close, our group received our final salute as we boarded the C-2 Greyhound, once again, this time for a catapult take-off. We were all very excited at the thought of taking off from an aircraft carrier and becoming card-carrying Honorary Tailhookers. This title is only bestowed upon those who not only land on a carrier, but also must accomplish a catapult take-off. We were completing our requirements for this distinguished title. Donning the required equipment necessary for this operation, we assumed our seats and waited patiently for our time to leave. Without knowing what to expect, or when to expect it, we heard the familiar exclamation, "Here we go, here we go, here we go," and knew it was time. Bracing ourselves with feet pressed tightly against the seat in front of us, we catapulted, successfully, off the USS Enterprise, and headed back home. What an incredible experience! Thanks to all who made this experience one to remember and a heartfelt thanks to the officers and crew on board the USS Enterprise. May God keep them safe always!

On May 6th, vote SUZY KELLY for Chesapeake City Council.