USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
The Shuttle Newsletter Edition
“We are Legend”
November 3, 2012 Issue
Tigers Prowl the Decks of “Big E” for the Final Time Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian G. Reynolds
An F/A-18E Supper Hornet assigned to the Red Rippers of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11, launches for an air power demonstration during the final Tiger Cruise. (Photo by MC3 Heath Zeigler)
USS ENTERPRISE, At sea – Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) welcomed nearly 1,500 “Tigers” - or friends and family of the crew of Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 - aboard the legendary carrier Nov. 2, marking the beginning of the ship’s final “Tiger Cruise,” as the carrier makes its final transit to its homeport of Norfolk. The Tigers came aboard during Enterprise’s port visit to Naval Station Mayport, in Mayport, Fla., and will remain aboard the “Big E” through the final leg of the ship’s 25th and final deployment They are scheduled to arrive in Norfolk Nov. 4. “On behalf of all of the men, women, Sailors and Marines of Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, I would like to welcome everyone onboard Enterprise for our final journey back to our homeport of Norfolk,” said Rear Adm. Walter E. Carter, commander, Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, as he addressed the crew and the tigers over the 1-MC announcement system. During the Tiger Cruise, friends and family of the ship’s crew will receive the opportunity to witness first-hand what it is like to live on the “Big E” for two days. “I am absolutely honored to be here,” said Jack Brenkus, father of Hull Technician 3rd Class Paul Brenkus. “It’s great being able to just walk around and see this legendary ship.”
During the course of the cruise, the Tigers will experience life at sea, including air operations, firefighting demonstrations and weapons demonstrations. “We have a lot of exciting things that are scheduled to happen over the next couple of days,” said Carter. Most importantly, the Tiger Cruise gave crewmembers the opportunity to reunite with their families after nearly eight months at sea. “It is amazing to have my dad onboard,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Quindell Jenkins. “After all these months, to actually see him here is unreal.” “I’ve been waiting for this for a long time,” said Dirk Hampton, Jenkins’s father, who traveled from Wake Forest, N.C. “Its really great to catch up and to see what he (Jenkins) does on a day-to-day basis.” Not only does the Tiger Cruise give friends, family and loved ones a glimpse at what it has been like for their Sailor on deployment, but it also allows them to be a part of history, as Enterprise pulls into Norfolk for the final time. “This journey is the final chapter of the 25th and final deployment of this historic ship,” said Carter. “We are very glad to have all 1,500 tigers onboard.”
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Tigers Crui
Aircraft assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 fly in formation over aircraft demonstration during the ship’s final Tiger Cruise. (Photo by MC3 Randy J. S
Sailors and Tigers watch an E-2C Hawkeye assigned to the Screwtops of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 123 perform a flyby during an air power demonstration. (Photo by MC3 Brian G. Reynolds)
Capt. William C. Hamilton, commanding officer of aircraft carrier USS Enter (CVN 65), performs the last trap ever to be landed aboard Enterprise. (Photo by MC3 Randy J. Savarese)
Sailors and Tigers watch Visit, Board, Search and Seizure demonstration by Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Platoon 123-1 and the Dragonslayers of Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron (HS) 11 during an air power demonstration aboard Enterprise. (Photo by MC3 Brian G. Reynolds)
An HH60-H helicopter, assigned to the Dragonslayers of Helicopter Anti-subm Squadron (HS-11), preforms an air power demonstration for Tiger Cruise mem (Photo by MC3 Harry Andrew D. Gordon)
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t carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) during an air power Savarese)
“Tigers,” or friends and family of the crew of aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) tour the flight deck as the ship pulls out of Naval Station Mayport for the ship’s Tiger Cruise. (Photo by MC3 Brian G. Reynolds)
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Friends and family members of Sailors assigned to Enterprise gather on the flight deck for the an air power demonstration during its final Tiger Cruise. (Photo by MC3 Scott Pittman)
Sailors and Tiger Cruise members participate in a FOD walkdown. (Photo by MC3 Harry Andrew D. Gordon)
The Shuttle USS Enterprise (CVN 65)
The Shuttle is published and printed daily underway and bi-weekly in port by the USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Media Department, FPO AE 09543-2810. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Please direct all story ideas, questions and comments to MC1 (SW) Steve Smith at smithsw@cvn65. navy.mil. Commanding Officer Capt. William C. Hamilton, Jr.
Executive Officer Capt. G. C. Huffman
Command Master Chief Public Affairs Officer CMDCM (AW/SW) Dwayne E. Huff Lt. Cmdr. Sarah T. Self-Kyler
David H. Zeigler Sr., an embarked civilian from Marshall, Texas, takes a photo of a re-enlistment ceremony during the final Tiger Cruise. (Photo by MC3 Heath Zeigler)
Editor MC3 Brian G. Reynolds
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Sailors of the Day Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Xochilt Diaz
AOAN Xochilt Diaz, from Queens, N.Y., joined the Navy two years ago to prove herself and for educational benefits. In her spare time, she enjoys running, reading and shopping. In the future, she plans to become an officer and finish college.
Personnel Specialist Seaman Theresa McLaughlin
PSSN Theresa McLaughlin, from Queens, N.Y., joined the Navy five months ago to better herself and for her 3-year-old daughter. In her spare time, she enjoys arts, crafts and interior decorating. In the future, she plans to advance in rank and to be the best.
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