Letter from USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71)

[Dick Zimmermann]

Here is a letter from an aviator aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT that was sent shortly after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

FROM USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71)

Hello to all from the blue waters off of the coast of Europe,

I was part of something today I thought I would share with you.  As you may recall, sometime on the 13th of September Firefighters from New York raised a lone flag over  the remaining rubble that was once one of the twin towers.  As I watched the exhausted Firefighters raise the flag, the moment seemed bittersweet.  It seemed to be a galvanzing moment for the American people, a reminder of the strength and courage of our spirit, yet still unthinkably sad.  This flag was later removed from the building and signed by Governor Pataki, Mayor Giuliani and many of the Firefighters and Rescue Workers who spent long ardous hours in the rescue and recovery operations.  Mayor Giuliani and Governor Pataki sent this flag to Admiral Natter, Commander CINCLANT Fleet, with the request that it be flown onboard one of the ships under his command (he owns all the ships on the East Coast).  He sent the flag to the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, fitting because Roosevelt was a New York Representative, Police Commissioner of New York City, and Governor of the State.

Early this morning a COD (Carrier Onboard Delivery) aircraft arrived.  The COD pilots usually stay in our Ready Room, they told us that the most important cargo they carried today was that very flag.  Early this afternoon Captain O'Hanlon, Captain of the THEODORE ROOSEVELT and a New York native, made the announcement that the flag would be flown briefly and the crew would have the opportunity to view it. The flight deck was absolutely packed to overflowing with Aviators, Maintenance Troops, Reactor Operators and every other crew member imaginable.  The flag was raised on the port yardarm while the crew watched.  From within the mass of bodies someone began a spontaneous rendition of the National Anthem.  The song ended with a rousing cheer.

During F'ocsle Follies (a good natured way for the Aviators to poke fun at each other and reward performance related to landing aboard the ship) the Captain announced that this flag has become the THEODORE ROOSEVELT's "Battle Flag".  He further stated that the flag will not be flown again until the THEODORE ROOSEVELT is called into action in response to the actions on the 11th of September.  This was an incredible boost to the morale of those who heard the Captain's words.  Without sounding like a war monger, the pilots, aircrew and all members of the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT are prepared and ready to fly the "Battle Flag" when the opportunity arises.

As we slip through the Straits of Gibraltar into the beautiful seas of the Mediterranean and on to points yet to be determined, my thoughts are with you and I am certain your thoughts and prayers are with us as well.  In all likelihood I will leave the ship before the cruise ends, and I hope to see each and every one of you in the not too distant future, a luxury not afforded to the members of the crew who will make the entire cruise.

John MacMichael
VAW-123