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BULLHORN #12
12AUG07
ANAers!!
SNOW BIRDS
We have been
struggling with a way to keep up with semi-annual snail mail address
changes, mainly those for ‘snow birds’ who winter south and return to
their summer homes in the north. Unfortunately, our membership database
cannot provide such a capability, that of changing from one address to
another at a specific date. So, we are instituting a work-around, using
another program that provides a calendar system. So, is you are one who
moves regularly during the year, please let me know (svwindmills@erols.com)
– member number (if you have it handy as that makes is easier), name and
both addresses with the time frames you will be at each. We will now
endeavor to keep up with the address changes without y’all having to
submit address change cards each time you go north or south.
ANA WEB SITE
We have been working
on our web site to make it both more user friendly as well as of greater
value to membership and the casual visitor. When you get a minute,
please visit us at http://www.anahq.org/index.htm.
HOOK
We are still working
issues regarding our presence at HOOK. We will definitely have a booth
(Please stop by!!) and are working on the suite – details in another
BULLHORN as we get them ironed out.
RECRUITING ADVERTISING
The SANDGROPERS are
working an initiative to have their local Australian American Legion
branches advertise ANA in their newsletters. A great idea for them –
what do you think? And what about some of all those other organizations
of which many of us are members, such as AARP, MOAA, etc - ?
We hope all is well
– Every member get a member!!!!
Some news articles
follow -
Best regards,
Dutch
Secretary/Treasurer
Association of Naval Aviation
1446 Waggaman Circle
McLean, VA 22101
703-893-3955
**********
Executive Director and
Editor, WINGS OF GOLD = Zip at goldwings@verizon.net
**********
www.anahq.org
General Membership:
2550 Huntington Ave, Suite 202
Alexandria, VA 22303
703-960-6806
Ann at
anahqtr@aol.com
**********
“…to
educate and encourage an interest among the general public as to the
importance of Naval Aviation in the defense of the United States and its
allies….”
BY: , SAF/PAO
08/06/2007
Airpower Summary for
August 4
SOUTHWEST ASIA —
Coalition airpower supported Coalition ground forces in Iraq and the
International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in the following
operations August 4 according to Combined Air and Space Operations
Center officials here.
In Afghanistan, Air
Force F-15E Strike Eagles hit enemy firing positions with Guided Bomb
Unit-38s in Kajaki Dam. The bombs successfully connected with their
intended targets. They also performed successful shows of force to help
Coalition forces withdraw from an area near Kajaki Sofia.
Another F-15E
provided a show of force to reassure ground forces of air support in
Kabul and Farah. Another conducted a show of force to reveal enemy
fighting positions in Bagram. All of the flybys were considered
successful.
An Air Force A-10
Thunderbolt II dropped a general-purpose 500 pound bomb on an enemy
mortar position in Asadabad. The Joint Terminal Attack Controller
reported the bomb had good effects.
In total, 41 close
air support missions were flown in support of the International Security
Assistance Force and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities
and route patrols.
Nine Air Force
Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in
support of operations in Afghanistan.
Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical
reconnaissance.
In Iraq, Air Force
F-16 Fighting Falcons destroyed dirt bridges with GBU-38s in Baghdad.
Other F-16s
destroyed a house used to store improvised explosive devices with
GBU-38s and GBU12s in Baghdad. Later, one of the aircraft also provided
a show of force for ground force taking fire in the area.
Also in Baghdad,
another F-16 provided a successful show of force for a convoy taking
fire. They also watched for suspicious activity near the convoy.
A Royal Air Force
Harrier GR-4 dropped Enhanced Paveway II munitions on a deserted
building in Baghdad. The pilots also provided a show of force with
flares for ground forces in the area. The JTAC reported the show of
force and bomb drop as successful.
F-16s provided
overwatch for a convoy disabled by an IED in Bayji. Another group of
Fighting Falcons monitored an IED clearing team that had come under
enemy fire.
In Al Iskandariyah,
F-16s provided a show of force and overwatch for friendly forces taking
small arms fire. There were no reports of continued fire after the show
of force.
In
total, Coalition aircraft flew 48 close air support missions for
Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported Coalition ground
forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for
reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist
activities.
Sixteen Air Force, Navy and Royal Australian Air Force ISR aircraft flew
missions in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, four Royal Air
Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
U.S.
Air Force C-130s and C-17s provided intra-theater heavy airlift support,
helping to sustain operations throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn
of Africa.
Approximately 139 airlift sorties were flown; 499 tons of cargo was
delivered, and approximately 3,100 passengers were transported. This
included approximately 6,930 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in
Afghanistan. The weight is equivalent to more than 815 loaded M-16s.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada and Iraq flew in support of
operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On
August 3, U.S. Air Force, Royal Air Force and French Air Force aerial
refueling crews flew 50 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.5 million
pounds of fuel to 230 receiving aircraft.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Aug. 9 airpower summary: Fighting
Falcons ready to strike
8/10/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition
airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and International
Security Assistance Force troops in Afghanistan during operations Aug. 9
according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
In
Afghanistan, an Air Force B-1B Lancer used flares to provide shows of
force for ground forces in Gereshk and Tarin Kowt. The bomber's
presence had good effects.
Air
Force A-10 Thunderbolt IIs fired cannon rounds at an enemy firing
position in Now Zad. Earlier, the pilots provided a show of force over
the area as well.
Also
in Now Zad, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s
on a compound and a tree line. An on-scene joint terminal attack
controller confirmed the bomb drops as successful.
JTACs are highly trained U.S. Air Force and coalition personnel who
advise ground commanders on appropriate air power support, relay the
ground commander's intent to air power assets overhead and communicate
with aircrews for precision engagement.
A-10s strafed enemies in a trench near Garmsir with cannon rounds. The
JTAC reported the rounds hit their intended targets.
An
F-15E also strafed an enemy position in Sangin with cannon rounds. The
attack had good effects.
In
total, 34 close-air-support missions were flown in support of ISAF and
Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Eleven Air Force intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft
flew missions in support of operations in Afghanistan. Additionally, two
Royal Air Force aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
In
Iraq, a B-1 struck improvised explosive device locations with GBU-38s
and GBU-31s near Salman Pak. The drops were reported as good hits by the
JTAC. The aircrew also provided shows of presence in the area.
Air
Force F-16 Fighting Falcons destroyed a buried weapons cache in Al
Iskandariyah. The pilots also watched over a raid and a medical
evacuation in the area.
Another F-16 provided a successful show of force with flares against
enemies firing at Iraqi police in Tikrit.
F-16s also watched over friendly forces in Al Mahmudiyah.
F-16s dropped a GBU-12 and fired cannon rounds at a group of insurgents
who ambushed ground forces in Baqubah. The attacks resulted in good
effects. The pilots also provided a show of force to protect a group of
civilians making a pilgrimage to an area mosque.
Also
in Baqubah, F-16s dropped GBU-12s on enemies hiding in a ditch. The
insurgents had attacked friendly forces earlier and then fled to the
ditch. The pilots also fired cannon rounds at those who fled the bomb
attack. The engagements yielded positive results.
An
A-10 provided a show of force with multiple flares during a convoy
escort in Al Kut. The convoy did not encounter any problems after the
A-10's show of force.
In
total, coalition aircraft flew 55 close-air-support missions for
Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground
forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for
reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist
activities.
Seventeen Air Force and Navy ISR aircraft flew missions in support of
operations in Iraq. Additionally, four RAF aircraft performed tactical
reconnaissance.
Air
Force C-130 Hercules aircraft and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided
intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations
throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Some
138 airlift sorties were flown, 435 tons of cargo were delivered and
3,213 passengers were transported. Airlift included approximately 16,800
pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq, Japan and Korea flew
in support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On
Aug. 8, Air Force, French and RAF tankers flew 50 sorties and off-loaded
approximately 2.5 million pounds of fuel to 214 receiving aircraft.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Aug. 10 airpower summary: Tankers fuel
the fight
8/11/2007 - SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- Coalition
airpower supported coalition ground forces in Iraq and the International
Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan in operations Aug. 10,
according to Combined Air and Space Operations Center officials here.
In
Afghanistan, Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles dropped guided bomb unit-38s
and 12s on enemies and their vehicles in Qal' eh Now. The aircrew also
conducted a show of force to help the joint terminal attack controller
and others get to a safe location. The attacks were reported to have
good effects.
Also
in Qal' eh Now, French Air Force Mirage 2000 dropped GBU-12s on enemy
personnel and a house. The pilots provided multiple shows of force with
flares over the area. The total engagement was considered a success.
Other F-15Es dropped GBU-38s on an enemy firing position in Tarin Kowt.
Afterward, the aircrew dropped a GBU-12 on an armed insurgent in the
area. The Strike Eagles strafed a ridgeline with cannon rounds as well.
The engagements were called successful by the JTAC.
Royal Air Force Harrier GR-7As picked up the engagement after the F-15Es
left. The pilots reattacked the ridgeline with rockets. The enemy small
arms fire ceased after the rocket attack. The pilots also provided a
successful show of force over the area.
A
Strike Eagle released a GBU-38 on an enemy firing position near a tree
line in Sangin. A JTAC confirmed the bomb hit the intended target. The
fighter also conducted a show of force to provide close-air support for
coalition forces in Gereshk.
A-10
Thunderbolt IIs conducted shows of force to deter enemy activity near a
forward operation base. A JTAC confirmed the desired results were
achieved.
In
total, 42 close-air-support missions were flown in support of the ISAF
and Afghan security forces, reconstruction activities and route patrols.
Eight Air Force and Royal Air Force intelligence, surveillance and
reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in support of operations in
Afghanistan. Additionally, two Royal Air Force aircraft performed
tactical reconnaissance.
In
Iraq, an Air Force B-1B Lancer provided a show of force with flares to
make the enemy aware coalition forces were in an area of Al Kut. The
show of force was called successful by the JTAC.
Royal Air Force Tornado GR-4s provided shows of force over areas in
Baghdad and Al Qurnah. The shows of force were to deter enemies from
firing on ground forces and to break up fighting between two local
factions. Both shows of force were considered successful.
In
total, coalition aircraft flew 50 close-air-support missions for
Operation Iraqi Freedom. These missions supported coalition ground
forces, protected key infrastructure, provided over watch for
reconstruction activities and helped to deter and disrupt terrorist
activities.
Fifteen Air Force, Navy and Royal Air Force ISR aircraft flew missions
in support of operations in Iraq. Additionally, two Royal Air Force
aircraft performed tactical reconnaissance.
U.S.
Air Force C-130 Hercules and C-17 Globemaster IIIs provided
intra-theater heavy airlift support, helping to sustain operations
throughout Afghanistan, Iraq and the Horn of Africa.
Approximately 166 airlift sorties were flown; 650 tons of cargo were
delivered, and approximately 3,109 passengers were transported. This
included approximately 15,600 pounds of troop re-supply air-dropped in
Afghanistan.
Coalition C-130 crews from Australia, Canada, Iraq and Japan flew in
support of operations in Afghanistan or Iraq.
On
Aug. 9, U.S. Air Force, French Air Force and Royal Air Force aerial
refueling crews flew 49 sorties and off-loaded approximately 2.4 million
pounds of fuel to 198 receiving aircraft.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 06, 2007
Flag Officer
Assignments
Chief of Naval
Operations Adm. Mike Mullen announced today the following assignments:
Rear Adm. (lower
half)(selectee) Michael E. McMahon is being assigned as program
executive officer for aircraft carriers, Office of the Assistant
Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition),
Washington, D.C. McMahon is currently serving as supervisor of
shipbuilding, conversion and repair, Newport News, Va.
Rear Adm. (lower
half) Frank Thorp IV is being assigned as chief of information,
Washington, D.C. Thorp is currently serving as deputy assistant
secretary of defense (joint communication) in the Office of the
Assistant Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs), Washington, D.C.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Friday, August 03,
2007
Advanced Hawkeye takes first flight
by Drema Ballengee-Grunst
PMA-231 Communications
NAVAIR Patuxent River, MD -- A Navy and Northrop Grumman integrated test
team flew the skies of St. Augustine, Fla., in Delta One, the first of
two Advanced Hawkeye test aircraft, for the first time today.
Advanced Hawkeye
flight test pilot Lt. Drew Ballinger along with Northrop Grumman flight
test pilot Tom Boutin and flight test weapon system operator Zyad Hajo,
lifted off shortly before 11 a.m. and flew for approximately 1.3 hours.
The flight crew’s role was observation, the gathering of data from air
vehicle systems, and the aerodynamic responses in flight.
“The flight today
marks the transition from design, development and ground test, to a
tangible - an aircraft’s demonstration of its capability for the future
fleet mission,” said Capt. Randy Mahr, NAVAIR Hawkeye program manager.
This
new edition airborne early warning command-and-control aircraft is
equipped with the future resources critical to the Navy’s
network-centric strategy.
With
radar that extends the carrier battle group’s line-of-sight, the
Advanced Hawkeye has a 360-degree array with added electronic scan
system and lock-down feature, which allows concentration on targets of
potential threat. “It
will sweep the mission frontlines to provide critical intelligence ahead
of our strike aircraft,” said Mahr.
The
aircraft’s glass cockpit system displays equip the pilot and co-pilot
with the ability to switch screens from flight to crew mission displays.
This allows four - rather than the traditional three - Naval flight
officers, to perform the aircraft’s command-and-control missions and
expand information conveyed to the battlegroup commander.
“From the drawing
board to today’s flight this has been a complete team effort with the
Navy and industry. The team was ready for this mission today. Flying
today was an important milestone – we are one step further along the
road to get this needed capability to the warriors who launch in to
harms way and play for keeps,”, said Mahr.
“This is an
exceptionally exciting time for our team as we enter a new phase and
begin the intense work of flight test,” said Cmdr. Roger Ligon,
commanding officer of Air Test and Evaluation squadron 20 (VX-20).
Two test aircraft
are being built under the system development and demonstration contract
with Northrop Grumman Corporation. Delta One rolled off the production
line at the corporation’s St. Augustine manufacturing facility and began
ground test there in the spring. Delta Two has since joined it in ground
test at the facility.
“This aircraft’s
first flight is the realization of phenomenal teaming. A team comprised
of program office, industry and test experts, committed to delivering
this critical, capable centerpiece of the future carrier flight deck,”
said Mahr.
Testing will
continue at the St. Augustine facility until the aircraft arrives at NAS
Patuxent River in early 2009, where flight and operational testing will
be completed by VX-20 and VX-1.
The Advanced Hawkeye
will begin arriving in E-2 squadrons in 2011 and is expected to serve
the Fleet well in to the middle of the next century.
A video of the first
flight can be viewed at
http://e2dfirstflight.wylelabs.com.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From UPI –
Northrop Grumman wins
$635.8M UAS contract
SAN DIEGO,
Aug. 6 (UPI) -- Northrop Grumman has won a $635.8 million U.S. contract
to carry out at-sea carrier launches and recoveries with a fixed-wing
unmanned air system.
The program will involve Northrop Grumman's X-47B unmanned air system,
or UAS, and will be the first set of trials with such a system ever
carried out at sea, the company said in a statement Friday.
"The Navy's program, known as the Unmanned Combat Air System Carrier
Demonstration (UCAS-D), will demonstrate the capability of an
autonomous, low-observable air vehicle. The UCAS-D effort will mature
critical technologies, reduce unmanned air system carrier integration
risks and provide information necessary to support a potential follow-on
acquisition milestone," Northrop Grumman said.
"We are proud of our legacy of innovation and creativity in developing
new combat capabilities and are pleased to be selected to lead this
revolutionary advancement in unmanned systems capabilities," said Scott
Seymour, president of Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems sector.
"The UCAS-D award is the culmination of several years of effort with the
Navy to show the benefit of melding the capabilities of a survivable,
persistent, long-range UCAS with those of the aircraft carrier," said
Gary Ervin, vice president for Northrop Grumman's Integrated Systems
Western Region sector. "The UCAS-D program will reduce the risk of
eventual integration of unmanned air systems into carrier environments."
Northrop Grumman said it would construct two air vehicles and conduct
technology maturation activities for the program. "The first air vehicle
is scheduled to fly in late 2009 and will begin a series of detailed
flight envelope and land-based carrier integration and qualification
events beginning in 2010. The first at-sea carrier landings are planned
for late 2011 with follow-on analysis and program completion by 2013,"
the company said.
Northrop Grumman said the X-47B air vehicles would be put together in
Palmdale, Calif., by an industrial team that involved Lockheed Martin,
Pratt & Whitney, GKN Aerospace, GE Aviation, Honeywell, Eaton Aerospace,
Moog Inc., Wind River, Goodrich, Parker Aerospace, Dell, Hamilton
Sundstrand and Rockwell Collins.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Status of the Navy
August 7,
2007
Navy
Personnel
Active Duty:
339,710
Officers: 52,148
Enlisted: 283,096
Midshipmen: 4,466
Ready Reserve:
127,971 [As of 18 June]
Selected Reserves: 69,018
Individual Ready Reserve: 58,953
Reserves currently mobilized:
5,256 [As of 01 Aug]
Personnel on deployment:
63,809
Navy
Department Civilian Employees:
176,938
Ships and Submarines
Deployable Battle Force Ships:
278
Ships Underway (away from homeport):
138
ships (50% of total)
On
deployment:
113
ships (41% of total)
Attack submarines underway (away from homeport):
30
submarines (55%)
On deployment:
14
submarines (25%)
Ships Underway
Carriers:
USS
Enterprise (CVN 65) - Indian Ocean
USS
Nimitz (CVN 68) - Pacific Ocean
USS
Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - Pacific Ocean
USS
John C. Stennis (CVN 74) - Pacific Ocean
Amphibious Warfare Ships:
USS
Nassau (LHA 4) - Atlantic Ocean
USS
Peleliu (LHA 5) - Pacific Ocean
USS
Kearsarge (LHD 3) - Atlantic Ocean
USS
Bataan (LHD 5) - Atlantic Ocean
USS
Bohomme Richard (LHD 6) - Persian Gulf
Aircraft (operational):
4000+
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From:
Charles L. Randle [mailto:charleslrandle@comcast.net]
Sent: Thursday, August 09, 2007 10:29 PM
To: undisclosed-recipients:
Subject: NAVAIR
Press Release
Number: ECL200708091
09-Aug-07
Point Mugu ribbon cutting
ceremony acknowledges new synergy between EA-6B and EA-18G
By Linda Lou
Crosby
Wyle/P3R
In a time of shrinking dollars and emerging complex requirements,
Airborne Electronic Attack (AEA) Laboratory teams for two different
platforms (EA-6B and EA-18G) at Point Mugu opened the doors of
communication (literally) to more easily leverage knowledge.
The EA-6B Prowler is a long-range, all-weather aircraft with advanced
electronic countermeasures capability. The Prowler provides an umbrella
of protection for strike aircraft, ground troops, and ships by jamming
enemy radar, electronic data links, and communications. The EA-18G
Growler is scheduled to start replacing the aging EA-6B aircraft in
2009.
“It is now easier to share information, subject matter experts and
resources,” said Dr. Melissa Midzor, AEA Laboratory lead - Pt. Mugu, who
is project manager for the labs, which support both state-of-the-art
electronic jamming platforms.
Capt. Steven G. Kochman, head of the Prowler Program Office (PMA-234) in
NAVAIR’s Program Executive Office for Tactical Air Programs, was on hand
for a recent ribbon cutting ceremony and acknowledged the event and
noted the value of this move. “The commonality of the sensor (ALQ-218),
weapon (ALQ-99) and communication (MIDS/Link 16) systems between these
aircraft provided the impetus for this decision,” he said. “And the
synergy between these two programs is evidenced in the accelerating
success enjoyed by both.”
“People now view it as "one AEA" lab, instead of stove-piped platforms,”
added Midzor. The evidence is an elevated stream of activity between
labs. “Technically speaking, EA-6B’s high tech ICAP-III ALQ-218(v)1
Tactical Jamming Receiver is physically right next to the Boeing and
Northrop Grumman provided sophisticated EA-18G ALQ-218(v)2 system.”
The goal is to provide a better product for those in harm’s way. “The
joining of the two labs is a critical step in facilitating further
cooperation and synergy to the benefit of both programs and the war
fighters who will operate them in combat,” said Kochman.
Allan E. Graves, chief engineer and acting lead, AEA Integrated Product
Team (IPT), addressed the cost benefit. “This environment will
facilitate a reduction in long-term sustainment cost that will be
realized as the EA-6B airborne electronic attack team transitions to
EA-18G,” he said. “In addition, this environment will ensure that
improvements to EA-6B ICAP III electronic attack capabilities are
successfully transitioned to EA-18G during post-production upgrades.”
Midzor summed up the benefits, "This move helps coordinate the
requirements and resource agreements between the two different projects
using the labs. It is a win, win for both platforms."
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Boeing wins $19.5M
Navy order
Los
Angeles Business from bizjournals - 9:52 AM PDT Thursday, August 9, 2007
The
U.S. Navy awarded The Boeing Co.'s aerospace unit a $19.5 million order
for work on the F/A-18 E/F and EA-18G aircraft, the U.S. Department of
Defense reported Wednesday.
The
majority of the work will be performed in El Segundo, with the remainder
in St. Louis. Work is expected to be completed in March 2011.
Chicago-based Boeing (NYSE: BA) will perform work on antenna avionics;
mechanical and electrical system design and development; laboratory
integration and testing; integrated logistic support; manufacture of
hardware kits; validation; and support of development and operation of
all flight testing phases.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
From: Commanding Officer, USS KITTY HAWK
(CV-63)
Subject: USS LEXINGTON COMMEMORATIVE PRAYER
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2007
Had a unique
opportunity to surprise the crew the other day. Made a little jog in
navigation and was able to pass directly over the final resting place of
USS LEXINGTON, CV-2. We passed over at almost exactly the time of day
that she was hit by the first torpedo in May '42 and the weather was
exactly the same. That part was a coincidence, but making the conscious
decision a couple days ago to CPA her resting place was not.
I personally read, over the 1MC, from CAPT Sherman's after action
report. Chaps then said a prayer (attached), we played echo Taps and two
sailors laid flowers from the fantail.
Didn't tell almost anyone what we were doing ahead of time. During
weekly training GQ last night the XO and CHENG read aloud from the Chief
Engineer's after action report lessons learned. You cannot believe how
appreciative the crew has been for all of this. It actually made me feel
pretty good.
Zeke
The
Prayer
26 JULY 2007
TRANSITING THE AREA OF THE BATTLE OF THE CORAL SEA
LET US PRAY. ALMIGHTY AND ETERNAL GOD, THE MYSTIC BEAUTY OF THE SEA
SEEMS TO RISE IN BENEDICTION TO YOU. AS WE PASS OVER THESE HALLOWED
WATERS WHERE 65 YEARS AGO, THE USS LEXINGTON WAS LOST IN THE BATTLE OF
THE CORAL SEA, IT IS ONLY RIGHT THAT WE STOP AND PAUSE FOR A MOMENT TO
REMEMBER THE MOMENTOUS SACRIFICE OF OUR ELDER SHIPMATES. FROM THEM, WE
LEARN THE HIGHEST IDEALS OF THE WARRIOR SPIRIT: SELF-SACRIFICE, MISSION
ACCOMPLISHMENT, TENACITY.
IN THE DOGGED FIVE-DAY BATTLE THAT CHANGED THE COURSE OF WORLD WAR II,
SAILORS FROM ACROSS AMERICA AND FROM EVERY WALK OF LIFE, BANDED TOGETHER
WITH A COMMON FOCUS OF DEFEATING A FORMIDABLE ENEMY.
LORD GOD, WE REMEMBER THOSE WHO FOUGHT AND PERISHED HERE. WE ARE
THANKFUL FOR THEIR LIVES EVEN AS WE ARE WE ARE INSPIRED BY THEIR
MONUMENTAL ACHIEVEMENT. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY THAT WE
HAVE TO SERVE IN OUR NATIONS DEFENSE AND TO CARRY ON THESE HIGH IDEALS.
WE ASK THAT YOU WILL WALK WITH US TO REMIND US THAT THE TRADITION WE
INHERIT DOES NOT BELONG TO US INDIVIDUALLY, BUT IS A SACRED TRUST GIVEN
TO US BY THOSE UPON WHOSE SHOULDERS WE STAND.
AS TAPS IS PLAYED FOR THE FAITHFUL DEPARTED WHO IN THIS PLACE FOUGHT AND
DIED SO MANY YEARS AGO, WE OFFER YOU OUR MOST HUMBLE PRAYER. MAY THEIR
SOULS, AND THE SOULS OF ALL WHO HAVE GIVEN THEIR LIVES FOR FREEDOMS
CAUSE, THROUGH THE MERCY OF GOD, REST IN PEACE. AMEN.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ |
