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Fly Boys

Top: Ron Coderre, left, and Gary  Osbrey. Above: Ron Coderre, Tom Pandolfi, Gary “O” and Matt Desaulnier in the hangar of the USS Theodore Roosevelt in front of a Hornet. Courtesy photos.

 

 

What began with a simple question, “Would you be interested in participating in the Navy Distinguished Visitor Program?” turned into a life experience that could pass as a check off on life’s bucket list.  The question was posed by Woodstock resident Tom Pandolfi, a former Army Green Beret. 

As it turned out the Distinguished Visitor Program included a cross-country flight to San Diego and spending approximately 25 hours with the men and women of the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt.  It also included meeting 12 individuals, primarily from Connecticut, and spending the experience with three other men from northeastern Connecticut.  

The quartet from the Quiet Corner included trip organizer, Tom Pandolfi, WINY Radio personality Gary “O” Osbrey, Gerardi Insurance President Matthew Desaulnier and me, Ronald P. Coderre.

In a serendipitous moment, we arrived at Naval Air Station North Island as the base was waking to its daily ritual, which begins with our nation’s National Anthem.  Stepping from our vehicles, all 16 members of our group stopped, came to attention, right hand over our heart in unison.  The moment marked the beginning of a journey that 16 strangers would bond with each other and eventually with the 5,600 members of “the Roosevelt.”

The 25-year old “Roosevelt,” which is expected to serve our country for a total of 50 years, towers 20 stories above the waterline with a 4.5-acre flight deck.  It measures 1,092 feet in length and travels at a speed of 30-plus knots or 34.5 miles per hour.  The ship is essentially a floating city, with enough food and supplies to operate 90 days, serving 18,150 meals daily.

As part of Carrier Strike Group Nine, whose motto is “Defending Freedom,” the ship is equipped to meet any threat posed by aggressors of the U.S.  The Carrier Strike Group aircraft includes single and twin seat jet F-18 Super Hornets and Hornets as well as the EA-18 G Growler electronic warfare aircraft, the E-2C Hawkeye, twin-engine MH-60 S/R helicopters and the reliable C-2 Greyhound, a twin-engine high-wing cargo aircraft, designed to carry supplies, mail and personnel to and from the aircraft carrier.

Following a thorough orientation, briefing for our upcoming experience and tour of the Naval Air Station we were prepared for our departure aboard the C-2 Greyhound to our landing on the deck of “the Roosevelt,” which was going through training exercises some 220 miles off the California coast in the North Pacific.

The preparation included being outfitted with a life vest, survival kit in the event of a water landing, ear protection, helmet and goggles.  We boarded the Greyhound, single file, through a ramp in the rear of the aircraft to seats that faced rear rather than forward seating found in traditional passenger aircrafts.  The cargo plane was a no-frills aircraft, designed primarily for its job of moving goods and people in an efficient manner.

Landing on the USS Theodore Roosevelt

After flying for approximately 90 minutes to our destination, we prepared for our decent on “the Roosevelt.”  In what would be the first of many exciting experiences, we landed at full throttle, going from 130 miles per hour to zero, when we snagged the arresting wire on the deck in two seconds.

From that moment on, we were greeted and treated as celebrities by everyone from the Commander CSG 9 Rear Admiral James Bynum, Roosevelt Commanding Officer Craig Clapperton, LCDR Beth Teach, the ship’s Public Affairs Officer to every sailor we encountered.

Our initial exposure to activity on the carrier was to witness jet takeoffs and landings from a distance of approximately 20 yards.  The sounds and smells of the super jets as they catapulted from the jet blast off deflectors were eye-opening and awe inspiring.  What was equally impressive was witnessing the flight deck sailors in their color-coded shirts as they communicated totally by hand signals with preciseness and precision.

Following an official meeting with Commander Clapperton and Admiral Bynum we were escorted to our rooms, which consisted of Navy bunks.  Although the spartan accommodations weren’t up to Ritz Carlton standards they provided a realistic view of what daily life was like for carrier sailors.

The evening meal provided a sampling of what life was like for officers on board.  The meal was hosted by the carrier’s Executive Officer, Legal Officer, Operations Officer and one of the four chaplains who provide religious services for the crew.

Observing night time training from the Admiral’s bridge was beyond belief.  Once again the sounds and smells of jet aircraft powering off and landing on the deck in pitch darkness was a demonstration of the skills of the pilots who average 25 years old.  The skills of these aviators instilled a strong sense of confidence in the Navy and its ability to defend our seas.

Reveille the next morning came with a rap on the door at 6 a.m.  It was off to breakfast in the main dining area used by the enlisted personnel.  Breakfast was followed by a whirlwind tour of the two gigantic repair hangars.  Aircraft are transported to the hangars by four high-speed aircraft elevators, each more than 4,000 square feet, capable of delivering the aircraft to the flight deck in minutes.

A trip to the top of the tower provided a glimpse of what was essentially the radar and personnel controlling, observing and recording the takeoffs and landings of not only the jets but the helicopters and airborne radar aircraft.

 We were also escorted to the library, theater, chapel and internet café, concluding our tour in the ships public affairs production area.

The Catapult Experience

Much to the chagrin of our group the time to say goodbye to the USS Theodore Roosevelt had finally arrived.  Having previously been instructed for our catapult takeoff we once again boarded the C- 2 Greyhound and prepared for a thrilling takeoff.

The catapult shuttle hooks to a special “I” bar on the aircraft.  The pistons power the shuttle when the steam from the ship’s boilers is pushed into the system.  The catapult took our aircraft from zero to 165 miles per hour in two seconds.

The jolt of takeoff, which lasted approximately three seconds had us safely airborne and headed on our return journey to Naval Air Station North Island.

 In reflecting on the experience aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, as an Air force veteran and loyal U.S. citizen, my respect for our military personnel has been taken to a new level.  The faith in our Navy and other branches of the military has gained me a special respect for the young men and women who are protecting our freedom today.

“Speak softly and carry a big stick.  You will go far,” is attributed to the late President Theodore Roosevelt.  This saying is one reason why his namesake aircraft carrier USS Theodore  Roosevelt, also referred to as America’s Big Stick, is a powerful force  in our military armada, on duty 24/7 while Americans sleep peacefully.

 

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