USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71)

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Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on April 24, 2009 at 12:52am

Homecoming News:

USS Theodore Roosevelt Returns from Deployment
Story Number: NNS090419-02
Release Date: 4/19/2009 5:04:00 PM



By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bonnie Williams, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) returned to its homeport of Norfolk, Va., April 18 after a successful seven-month deployment supporting Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and maritime security and coalition operations in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR).

TR and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8 flew 3,105 sorties in support of OEF, with more than 61,000 pounds of ordnance dropped on target in support of coalition forces.

"The dedication of the ship's crew and naval aviators enabled TR to successfully complete its mission
supporting Sailors, soldiers, airmen and Marines on the ground in Afghanistan," said TR's Commanding Officer Capt. Ladd Wheeler. "Sailors aboard TR set a high standard for themselves and the ship with their missionfocused mentality. TR has completed a deployment to be proud of."

Along with five months of combat operations, TR played host to a variety of distinguished visitors. President Hamid Karzai, of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, made his first visit to a U.S. aircraft carrier aboard TR in December. Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, Commander, U.S. Central Command, made a special Thanksgiving visit to TR to thank the crew for their service. Adm. Jonathan Greenert, - Forces Command also embarked the ship along with dignitaries and military officials from South Africa, Dakar, Jordan, Egypt and England. More than 300 distinguished visitors from nine different countries visited TR during this deployment.

During the course of the deployment, TR made port visits to such diverse localities as Portsmouth, England, and Cape Town, South Africa. The Cape Town visit marked the first time in more than 40 years that a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier visited South Africa, and the first time a nuclear-powered vessel was permitted to visit the area.

TR Sailors gave back to the international community by participating in seven community relations projects with 324 volunteers, contributing 88 hours to various communities the ship's crew visited. TR Sailors also raised more than $186,155 for the Combined Federal Campaign.

The deployment also saw the crew "staying Navy", with 427 Sailors reenlisting and earning more than $11 million in selective reenlistment bonuses. Other achievements included 980 Sailors completing 63 college classes, and congratulating more than 140 new dads.

Mail, both electronic and the traditional kind, were in high demand, with more than 8.7 million e-mails processed, and 635,001 pounds of U.S. mail sent out, and 87,986 pounds delivered to the ship.

The total distance steamed during deployment was 67,000 miles, or nearly three times around the circumference of the globe. Electrical power generated during deployment totaled more than 63,500 megawatts of power, enough to power more than 2.8 billion 60-watt light bulbs 24 hours-a-day. Fresh water produced totaled more than 45 million gallons, which would be equal to a water bill of more than $139,000.

Wheeler said the returning Sailors have earned some well-deserved time off from the 222 days deployed.

"Homecoming is an incredible experience that the crew will remember for a long time to come. The atmosphere is a culmination of emotions for the hard working Sailors and the families who have provided so much support," he said. "Having thousands of friends and family members awaiting them on the pier is a moment they will never forget."

For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on April 10, 2009 at 5:25pm

Some recent news:

Theodore Roosevelt, The Sullivans Visit to England Strengthens Ties
Story Number: NNS090409-26
Release Date: 4/9/2009 10:15:00 PM


By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joey Morgon

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) visited Portsmouth, England, April 4-8 as the ships completed their final port visits before returning to homeport.

The United States and England share a long-standing relationship. This was evident as the Sailors interacted with their hosts on tours and visits to many sites in the country. While in Portsmouth, crew members from Theodore Roosevelt and The Sullivans also participated in a variety of military interactions in addition to enjoying British culture and history.

"It was a great pleasure for our Sailors to visit England. The British were wonderful hosts in every way," said Rear Adm. Frank Pandolfe, commander, Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group.

"This visit provided an important opportunity to strengthen our unique relationship, building upon shared history, mutual respect and great trust."

Along with The Sullivans, Theodore Roosevelt and Carrier Air Wing 8 hosted scores of area residents and officials to tour the U.S. ships and embarked aircraft.

"This memorable port visit caps off a highly successful deployment," said Theodore Roosevelt's Commanding Officer, Capt. Ladd Wheeler. "The crew enjoyed the opportunity to see England and to welcome visitors to the ship. The visit was a great success."

Local Portsmouth residents returned the favor by offering tours of historic ships and locales, including HMS Victory, the flagship of English Adm. Lord Nelson.

"I studied that ship for years," said Lt. j.g. Will King, of TR's operations department. "The ship's curator, Peter Goodwin, gave a number of officers a behind-the-scenes tour. From my end, he changed my entire perspective on history and research. It was a truly momentous meeting for me."

Additionally, TR Sailors enjoyed tours in London to see famous locations including Parliament, Buckingham Palace, the Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. The crew also ventured into the countryside to see Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and visit popular towns like Bath and Hampton Court.

"The thing that impressed me the most about England was the people," said Aircrew Survival Equipmentman Airman Apprentice Theo Frashure. "Everyone was very polite and friendly. The entire trip was made spectacular thanks to the kind people that I met. I have always wanted to go to England, and I am happy that I got the chance to experience such a wonderful place."

Theodore Roosevelt and The Sullivans are operating in the 6th Fleet Area of Responsibility. Theodore Roosevelt recently departed 5th Fleet, where it conducted combat missions in support of coalition ground forces operating in Operation Enduring Freedom. The Sullivans participated in maritime security operations and conducted theater security cooperation in 5th, 6th and 7th Fleet Areas of Responsibility.

For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on March 21, 2009 at 11:16am

I was trying to post that as the PDF all morning...finally gave up and figured I'd have to just post the link....ya beat me to it Fred!!

Comment by Fred on March 21, 2009 at 10:57am

TR has been relieved by IKE.

IKE relieves TR 032109.pdf

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on February 22, 2009 at 9:46am

Tiger Cruise info from the ship's page

Comment by Richard Zimmerman on February 17, 2009 at 7:57pm

Welcome aboard to Navy Dads and the TR Group Kurtis. My son, David, is on the TR as well. He is an AM3 with the Valions VFA15. We are all looking forward to the TR's homecoming and the much anticipated T-Cruise, which I understand Paul has told you about. If you haven't checked it out go to the Tiger Cruise group and check the links that are in it for information on what we might expect. The links are from the Stenis but interesting to see.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on February 16, 2009 at 2:34pm

Welcome to the group Kurtis! It's nice to find more folks with sailors on the "Big Stick"! Paul

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on February 13, 2009 at 8:29pm

Eric's 2008-2009 Cruise Photo

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on January 21, 2009 at 9:20pm

More interesting Cruise news:

Fleet Forces Commander Visits USS Theodore Roosevelt
Story Number: NNS090120-12
Release Date: 1/20/2009 5:33:00 PM


By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joey Morgon, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. Fleet Forces Command visited USS Theodore Roosevelt (TR) (CVN 71) Jan. 19 as the Norfolk-based aircraft carrier conducted missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the Arabian Sea.

The visit provided Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert the opportunity to meet one-on-one with Sailors on the deckplates and get first hand feedback on how the Sailors are conducting their missions, and how their training prepared them for current operations.

"It was very important to the admiral to interact with as many Sailors as possible during his visit," said Capt. Ladd Wheeler, TR's commanding officer. "The feedback he receives from forward deployed Sailors today will clearly help in shaping how Sailors prepare for combat operations in the future."

During the visit, Greenert administered in a reenlistment on the ship's navigational bridge and addressed the crew over the ship's general announcement system to thank them for their service.

"I would like to congratulate you for serving your country in the way that you do, for being unselfish and for sacrificing," said Greenert. "I hope that you are proud of your mission so far."

Many of Sailors Greenert met on his visit were impressed by his willingness to ask them questions about their jobs and how they are doing while on deployment.

"It was unexpected when the admiral came by," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Alcide Acevedo. "I've never seen someone of his rank do what he did. He excused himself from the officers he was with and went up to us and said hello. He asked us where we were from and what we were doing. He shook our hand as he left and gave us a command coin. It was a very cool experience."

Theodore Roosevelt and elements of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group are currently on a scheduled deployment to the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility. TR is currently in the Gulf of Oman providing support to ground forces in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/.

Comment by NavyDads Admin (Paul) on January 12, 2009 at 6:59pm

Interesting News:

USS Theodore Roosevelt Hosts Training for TAD Sailors
Story Number: NNS090111-04
Release Date: 1/11/2009 5:01:00 PM


By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joseph Morgon, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, Gulf of Oman (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (TR) (CVN 71) are serving in the Air department as temporarily assigned duty (TAD) personnel. The number is expected to reach more than 50 by the end of TR's current deployment.

The TAD Sailors come from three Virginia-based carriers not currently deployed: USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), USS Enterprise (CVN 65) and USS George H. W. Bush (CVN 77).

The Sailors are serving aboard TR to learn the necessary qualifications to take back to their individual ships.

"The sole purpose of this is to qualify these Sailors," said Master Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (AW/SW) Louis Barba, Air department's leading chief petty officer.

"They are here to qualify on their personal qualification standards so that when their ship comes out of the yards, they will already have qualified personnel.

"Once they are done here, they will be fully qualified and be able to go back to their ships and train others," Barba added.

The carriers sending Sailors to TR are not the only ones who benefit.

"On my ship we will have to go out to sea soon," said Electrician's Mate 3rd Class Kenneth Leming, a Sailor from Enterprise who is working as a catapult electrician for air department's V-2 division. "If I wasn't already qualified, then the ship would hurt from me not being ready. In addition, the TR is helping me because I'm here and doing my job."

The additional manpower affords the air department leaders some freedom when moving personnel.

"With more personnel, we can move people around more often to help prevent our guys from getting worn out as quickly as they would if we didn't have the TAD Sailors," said Barba.

By working in the constantly active environment found on a deployed carrier, TAD Sailors attain a wealth of information and experiences.

"It's not boring and it's not routine at all," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) 3rd Class Lisa Gurnick, a Sailor from Carl Vinson, serving as an aircraft handling assistant for Air department's V-1 division.

"Things run very smoothly on this ship and I've learned a lot about leadership from that," Gurnick continued. "I want to be able to bring back that attitude to my own ship and hopefully run things even better.

"I've learned a lot from the mistakes I've made. Because I've seen how things can go wrong, I'll be able to take that back to my ship and not let it happen. I'll be able to stop new Sailors from making the same mistakes I made."

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 2nd Class Ray Delacruz, from Enterprise, transfers fuel for Air department's V-4 division. "I really like the fact that the people I work with really pull together as a team whenever we have a big job. "Everyone knows [his or her] role and performs them flawlessly."

"I really like the people who I have met here," Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Brandon Dunn, a Sailor from Enterprise who operates and maintains launching catapults for Air department's V-2 division. "I will probably be friends with them for the rest of my life. This has been a good experience and is one I will remember for a lifetime."

At the end of deployment, when TR enters the shipyard for a planned extended overhaul, her own Sailors might have the same opportunity to go TAD as well.

"All of the new TR Sailors will be going out to sea when we are in the docks," said Barba. "It will work the same way it is working for the Sailors aboard our ship now; it's a rotating program."

Theodore Roosevelt and elements of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group are on a scheduled deployment to the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility. They are in the Gulf of Oman providing support to ground forces in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71.

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