ROUGH RIDER USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71)
Underway
December 7, 2013 • DAILY
inside: Pearl Harbor Remembered and DV program
A Day That Lives in Infamy
Story by MC3 Stephane Belcher
S
ailors woke to the sounds of aircraft, explosions and alarms just before 8 a.m. Those sounds and the ensuing chaos of Dec. 7, 1941, lasted for three frightful hours as the Imperial Japanese Navy sent two waves of aircraft to attack Pearl Harbor. The events that morning took the lives of thousands of Sailors and continues to shape the motivations of Sailors who serve in America’s Navy. “That was a turning point in our country and the military,” said Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (handling) Michael Neverson, from the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt’s (CVN 71) Air department’s V-1 division. “On that day, a lot of our shipmates died in an attack that caught us off guard. It plays as a remembrance for me personally. A lot of people sacrificed their lives. Always remember that, because they didn’t die in vain.” Eight battleships, three light cruisers, three destroyers and four auxiliary ships were damaged or destroyed during the devastating surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. “It was a wakeup call for the Navy,” said Hull Maintenance Technician 3rd Class John Boren, from Engineering’s R division. “It’s definitely a monumental moment in history. A lot of Sailors died fighting for our country even though we were ambushed. It sparked something in the country to fight back.”
The more than 2,000 Sailors killed in the attack had little or no warning before the bombardment. Those who gave their lives at Pearl Harbor helped make the Navy what it is today. “As Sailors, we are invariably linked to the past,” said Chief Information Systems Technician Joseph Wert. “As time progresses, it becomes more and more difficult to relate the events of Dec. 7, 1941, to the average Sailor. So it is incumbent upon the Chiefs Mess of today’s Navy to ensure that the events and lessons of Pearl Harbor are never forgotten. The best way to prevent war is to be prepared for it.” Theodore Roosevelt’s crew reflect on the tragic events of Dec. 7, 1941, and remember the eternal link between Sailors past and present and the heritage they share.
An Experience to Remember
Story by MC3 (SW) Heath Zeigler Photo by MC2 (SW/IDW) Sean Weir
The roar of jets and the smell of JP-5 jet fuel fill the air as an F/A-18E Super Hornet screams down the flight deck at a blistering speed. This sight may be all too familiar to Sailors, but for civilians witnessing it for the first time, the impact can be truly amazing. The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt’s (CVN 71) distinguished visitor (DV) program gives community leaders an opportunity to come out and view the ship’s operations, meet Sailors and learn what life is like at sea. “It’s fantastic being here,” said DV Stacey J. Fantauzzi, business manager for Socha Management Inc. in Albany, N.Y.. “Two weeks ago I never would have thought I would be here.” DVs receive a guided tour of the ship that includes the bridge, flight deck, vulture’s row, and numerous other spaces. Guests also spend much of their time aboard simply meeting and talking with Sailors. “I have two sons back home who would have loved to have been out here,” said DV Steve Habeger of Worcester County Md.’s Economic Development. As the guests prepared to depart the ship, Media and Supply department provided them with mementos to remind them of their time aboard. “To be able to take a few things home to share with them (my sons) has been one of the highlights of this trip,” said Habeger. The embarkation marks the first time since TR returned to
Distinguished Visitors pose for a photo on the flight deck of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) during flight operations. The distinguished visitor (DV) program gives community leaders an opportunity to come out and view the ship’s operations, meet Sailors and learn what life is like at sea.
the active fleet that DVs have had the opportunity to meet the crew and tour the ship while at sea. Although Sailors work every day in an environment that may seem ordinary to them, DVs just may think being on an aircraft carrier is one of the coolest places to be.
Staff Commanding Officer Capt. Daniel Grieco Executive Officer Capt. Mark Colombo Public Affairs Officer Lt. Cmdr. Patrick Evans Media Officer Ensign Jack Georges Senior Editor MCC Adrian Melendez Editor MC2 (SW) Brian G. Reynolds Layout MC3 (SW) Heath Zeigler Rough Rider Contributors Theodore Roosevelt Media MC3 Stephane Belcher Command Ombudsman Sabrina Bishop Linda Watford Michelle V. Thomas cvn71ombudsman@gmail.com The Rough Rider is an authorized publication for the crew of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Contents herein are not necessarily the views of, or endorsed by, the U.S. government, Department of Defense, Department of the Navy or the Commanding Officer of TR. All items for publication in the The Rough Rider must be submitted to the editor no later than three days prior to publication. Do you have a story you’d like to see in the Rough Rider? Contact the Media Department at (757) 443-7419 or stop by 3-180-0-Q.
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ATTENTION! Chief Petty Officer exam date has changed from Jan. 16, 2014 to Jan. 14, 2014 Don’t forget to save the date.
Saturday *
Times Ch. 66
December 7
Ch. 67
Ch. 68
Ch. 69
Series Channel Weekends Only
0900
BOURNE ULTIMATUM
THE FAMILY
THE WORLDS END
Starting @ 0900
1100
BLACK HAWK DOWN
CINDERELLAN MAN
TRANSFORMERS
BATMAN BEGINS
1330
PARKER
WHITE CHRISTMAS
THE GREY
THE DARK KNIGHT
1530
WE WERE SOLDIERS
PRISONERS
MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES
BATMAN: DARK KNIGHT RISES
1830
TAKEN 2
PARKLAND
KICK-ASS 2
ENDS 1645
2030
2 GUNS
THE FAMILY
THE WORLDS END
SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE
2230
BLACK HAWK DOWN
CINDERELLAN MAN
TRANSFORMERS
MAN OF STEEL
0100
PARKER
WHITE CHRISTMAS
THE GREY
ENDS 2200
0300
WE WERE SOLDIERS
PRISONERS
MORTAL INSTRUMENTS: CITY OF BONES
0600
TAKEN 2
PARKLAND
KICK-ASS 2
*Movie schedule is subject to change.