DEFENSE INTEL

Embark: Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

by: Aimee Bright, Bay County Chamber of Commerce

Bay County Chamber of Commerce 2022 Board Chairman, Garrett Anderson, along with Vice- Chair, Joe Holt, were recently chosen to participate in a rare overnight opportunity with the U.S. Navy to land aboard an aircraft carrier and have first-hand experience witnessing life aboard a naval aircraft carrier.

The Embark program was established to place corporate, civic, government and education leaders, who have not previously experienced aircraft carrier operations, aboard a deployed aircraft carrier. While onboard, the embarkees learn how the Navy is contributing to the security of the United States and the world. This incredible opportunity to see the flight operations on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier provide unique opportunities to foster awareness and understanding of the role of carrier aviation, as well as demonstrate the highlevel training required to keep our Sailors ready to meet the nation’s needs. The pair were joined by nine other business leaders from all over the country, including an owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, a YouTube star, hedge fund managers, a trucking manufacturer and retired NFL player, Alexander Villanueva. “Having such a diverse group of business leaders really brought good energy to the trip”, Anderson said. They started their adventure in Virginia at the headquarters and home port of the U.S. Navy's Fleet Forces Command, NAS Norfolk, where they received a briefing on what to expect over the next two days.

From there they geared up and boarded a Grumman C-2 Greyhound, Carrier on Delivery (COD). This twin-engine, high-wing cargo aircraft is designed to carry supplies, mail, and passengers to and from aircraft carriers of the United States Navy. If you think this is a luxury ride, think again. This aircraft has two windows and those windows aren’t for the passengers in the back. Anderson and Holt describe the flight in the COD, as dark, loud and a bit disorienting as passengers

are seated facing the rear of the plane. Their destination, the USS Gerald Ford, the flagship of the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group, was on its first deployment conducting operations and training exercises alongside NATO allies and partners throughout the Atlantic Ocean.

The USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is a first-in-class aircraft carrier, and is the first new aircraft carrier designed in over 40 years. It honors the 38th president of the United States, paying tribute to his lifetime of service in the Navy, in the U.S. government and to the nation. There are many features that make Ford unique. First-in-class technology includes a new nuclear plant, the ability to generate nearly three times the amount of electrical power, innovative advanced arresting gear and the electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS).

Their flight lasted about an hour before an exciting touchdown and rapid deceleration caused by the arresting wires that catch the aircraft. “Nobody could ever prepare me for that flight”, said Holt, “both the landing and the take off (from the carrier) are very intense.”

Once aboard the USS Gerald Ford and the tail of the C-2 was lowered down, Holt was blown away by what he first saw, “The back of the plane opened and it was a flurry of activity. Planes are taking off and landing and Sailors are making it happen. It’s hard to accurately describe it. It's a dangerous situation, there are people everywhere, but somehow it all works. I have such a high appreciation for anyone that serves in an offshore vessel.”

The group was then welcomed by the Commanding Officer in the Captain’s Boardroom where memorabilia honoring the ship’s namesake, President Gerald Ford, is on display. After an opportunity to try out the Captain’s Chair, they were off for a full day of briefs, tours and observing the many functions of a deployed aircraft carrier. “We saw everything. From the fire department, to the emergency lifeboats and the maintenance shops, carriers at work are really like a city or base at sea.” said Anderson. Anderson may have seen a little more than what was planned on the tour. Holt teases, “Make sure to include the part where Garrett got lost on the ship”. Anderson clarifies, “There was one moment in the tour where our two groups separated and of course, the lights had cut off for a moment.” In trying to catch up with the first group, he took a wrong turn and ended up in a ready room with a group of pilots. “I said to the pilots, I think I’m lost!” No one was surprised when the pilots agreed.

The day ended with dinner with the Executive Officer of the USS Gerald Ford, (chicken, rice and vegetables if you’re curious) and back up to the bridge to watch night launches. Anderson describes witnessing an F-18 launch, “You could feel the heat and pressure of the afterburner on the jets. It was unlike anything I have done before.”

If you’re wondering what it is like to sleep aboard an active aircraft carrier, the answer is loud. “It was like sleeping in a tin can.” recalls Anderson. “It’s a good reminder that our service men and women work constantly around the clock defending our country. The action on the USS Gerald Ford is 24/7.”

Before launching off the carrier and flying back to NAS Norfolk, the group dined with Sailors for breakfast and got time to learn more about their lives both on and off ship. “I was struck by how dedicated our Sailors are to our country. They leave their families, not knowing exactly when they’ll return home.” said Anderson, “Their commitment is humbling”.

“It was eye opening for me.” Holt says about the experience, “I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to interact with so many of the young Sailors on the USS Gerald Ford and see their passion for what they do. To think that they’re so young and have so many important responsibilities, it just blew my mind.”

Both Anderson and Holt would recommend the experience and call it the opportunity of a lifetime.