Mon, Dec 15, 2008
Karzai Witnesses Flight Deck Ops
Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan
flew aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) December 11 for his
first-ever visit to a US aircraft carrier. Karzai visited the
Nimitz-class aircraft carrier at sea to gain a better understanding
of how the US Navy conducts operations in support of Operation
Enduring Freedom (OEF).
"Our forces are ready across the full spectrum of naval
operations and are committed to continuing operations that help
ensure security and stability in the region," said Vice Adm. Bill
Gortney, Commander, US Naval Forces Central Command. "President
Karzai was able to see first hand the professionalism demonstrated
by our personnel and gain a better understanding of how we do
operations."
Escorted by Gortney, President Karzai toured the flight deck and
observed flight operations, as well as visited the ship’s
bridge, an aircraft squadron’s ready room and the
ship’s Combat Direction Center.
"President Karzai was very interested in learning more about the
capabilities and support that Theodore Roosevelt and Carrier Air
Wing-8 bring to OEF," said Rear Adm. Frank Pandolfe, Commander,
Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. "We employ these
capabilities every day to help the government of Afghanistan build
a more peaceful and prosperous nation."
The Navy is a crucial partner in supporting Coalition forces
that operate on the ground, which help the government of
Afghanistan establish a secure democracy for the people of
Afghanistan.
"We were honored to host President Karzai today," said Capt.
Ladd Wheeler, Theodore Roosevelt’s Commanding Officer. "He
was impressed with the Sailors he met as well as the dedication
shown by them in the amazing work they do."
Theodore Roosevelt and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 are
currently deployed to the US 5th Fleet area of operations.
(Aero-News salutes Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class
Bonnie Williams)
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