A New Perspective from the Pacific

By: Senator Tony Guglielmo

Last month I had the privilege of participating in the Navy’s Distinguished Visitor Embark Program in San Diego, California. I traveled with my good friends, Tom Harney, the Mayor of Vernon, Dan Champagne, Bill Bresleau, Gary Wolff, and Tom Pandolfi from the Distinguished Visitor program – also a member of the American Legion Post 111 Woodstock.

This program brings guests aboard an aircraft carrier, hosted by Commander and Naval Air Forces. As a Distinguished Visitor I was able to get a rare first-hand look at life aboard an aircraft carrier and witness the pride and professionalism of our young men and women who serve our country at sea. After what I witnessed I felt that it was essential that I share my experience with my local community.

Once we arrived in California we took a C2 Greyhound aircraft to the aircraft carrier, the USS Nimitz, this flight lasted about an hour. We were all geared up with helmets and life vests. When I inquired as to why we were all geared up the pilot looked at me and said “just in case we miss”. He was referring to the three wire, a stationary wire the pilot must catch to land the aircraft. Did you know that we actually landed at full speed, just in case the pilot does miss the three wire? If he misses the wire he simply takes off and tries the landing again.

At the end of our stay on board we were catapulted off the deck of the carrier and flew back to San Diego.

While this excursion was once in a lifetime – the most impressive part of the experience was the crew themselves, I was surprised to hear that there were 5,000 great young American crew members onboard. The amount of responsibility that these young folks have at such a young age is astounding and ultimately inspiring. One young man I met was a 19 year old mechanic, he proudly explained to me that last year he was working at home on his Honda Civic and after his training he is now working on jet engines – and with such passion no less.

Another impressive aspect was the amount of sacrifice that these crew members give. They are out at sea for a minimum of six months. These crew members are working seven days a week – all the time and the cafeteria that was a sight in itself. There were multiple cafeterias on board, serving meals 24 hours a day. Because the aircraft carrier is running 24 hours a day, so is the crew.

I was in the military myself, compared to this my duty was very easy.

I wanted to share this experience because I don’t think the rest of us fully understand the amount of sacrifice and dedication all of these crew members offer us, often young people from small towns pursuing a passion or skill to help protect us here at home.

I could not have been more impressed with my trip. I am confident that this experience has impacted my life for the better and has given me a new perspective on the hard-work and tireless dedication of our military.