"MAN THE SHIP AND BRING HER ALIVE"

[USNLSC]

"MAN THE SHIP AND BRING HER ALIVE"

With those words, Nancy Reagan commissioned the USS Ronald Reagan. If you witnessed the moving service, Saturday morning, 12 July you were a part of history.

It was awesome, the occasion, the ship, the officers and crew, and the vips. Even the weather was bright and sunny. Those of us who sent the Navy League a contribution for the occasion shared in the event.

Following the commissioning both C-SPAN and Fox News were on board for a ship's tour. With four and a half acres of flight deck above, there was no way we were going to see everything but one thing that came across was the caliber of the officers and crew. All expressed honor to be "plank owners" and seemed genuinely fond of the former president.

Thousands were in attendance on the pier alongside the ship. Who knows how many watched the ceremony on the television or the internet? VIPs included Vice President Richard Cheney and his wife Lynn. He gave a fine presentation. The two of them love our country and I consider them true patriots. You just wish those carping about anything he has done would disappear. Young Virginia Governor Mark Warner was right on in his welcoming remarks. Then former sailor and Secretary of the Navy, Senator and Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee John Warner, gave a stirring, hard hitting, speech, frequently referring to the Gipper. Acting Naval Secretary Hansfort Johnson said all the right things. CNO Admiral Vern Clark and Commander, Atlantic Fleet Admiral Natter, in dress whites kept the momentum going. Couldn't help but note how handsome and young there are. The list goes on; what a team on the dais!

The Navy League was prominent. Even before the service started the League and the two primary ship sponsoring Councils Santa Barbara and Hampton Roads were receiving accolades.

The service has multiple aspects rooted in tradition. The invocation, national anthem, commissioning, Captain Goodwin reading his orders, setting the watch, breaking the flags of the Vice President and others, the shipbuilder's remarks, the benediction, the band music! Oh what a memorable day.

We wish Captain Goodwin, the officers and crew God's speed and blessing. See you in San Diego next June at the Navy League's National Convention!

Phelps Hobart, Eyewitness

PS Navy League: www.navyleague.org.

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BBC Sat Jul 12 16:52:00 GMT-0700 (Pacific Daylight Time) 2003 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/3061865.stm

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Associated Press Sat Jul 12 14:02:00 GMT-0700 (Pacific Daylight Time) 2003

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Houston Chronicle Sat Jul 12 14:01:00 GMT-0700 (Pacific Daylight Time) 2003

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SignOn San Diego Sat Jul 12 13:44:00 GMT-0700 (Pacific Daylight Time) 2003

"MAN THE SHIP AND BRING HER ALIVE"