CO Says Forward-Deployed Assault Ship Is "A Link In A Long
Chain" That Contributes To Success Of Naval Aviation
The crew of the forward deployed amphibious assault ship USS
Essex (LHD 2) celebrated the Centennial of Naval Aviation during a
ceremony held on the ship's mess decks Sept. 2. 2011 marks the
100th anniversary of the first aircraft to land on a U.S. Navy ship
at sea, and Navy commands throughout the year are celebrating the
milestone with observances, flight shows and ceremonies.
"Naval aviation is all about team work," said Capt. Dave Fluker,
Essex commanding officer. "Whether it's launching and recovering
helicopters or Harriers from the flight deck, or maintaining the
multitude of systems that make an aircraft fly, the men and women
aboard USS Essex are a link in a long chain of Sailors and Marines
that have contributed to the success of naval aviation."
During the ceremony, the Essex crew watched a video describing
the history of flight operations at sea, from its humble beginnings
aboard USS Pennsylvania, where a civilian pilot, Eugene Ely, landed
a Curtiss biplane on a makeshift wooden platform on the cruiser in
San Francisco Bay on Jan. 18, 1911 (photo below), to the latest
developments on operating unmanned aerial vehicles from ships. "I
think it is good for our Sailors to recognize that they are part of
something bigger than themselves and that they are a part of
history," said Lt. Mark Bovee, Essex flight deck officer. "I hope
they learned a little about Navy history today and how what they do
is important in accomplishing our mission."
During a presentation, Bovee also described the history of the
five ships to bear the name USS Essex, including CV-9, an aircraft
carrier that earned the Presidential Unit Citation and 13 battle
stars for its service in World War II and four battle stars and the
Navy Unit Commendation for service during the Korean War. "USS
Essex today continues the proud tradition of contributing to the
story of naval aviation," said Fluker. "From the ship's
participation in Operation Unified Shield helping cover the
withdrawal of UN forces from Somalia in 1995 to its most recent
contributions providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief
to the citizens of Japan during Operation Tomadachi, Essex Sailors
and Marines are always ready to answer the call."
During his speech to the crew, Fluker said no matter what job
they are assigned aboard the ship, every Sailor on the ship
contributes to the success of naval aviation and should be proud to
be a part of a dynamic, successful team. "It's important today for
us to focus on the team, from whence we came and where we are
going. The future is bright, not just for aviators and naval
aviation, but for the whole Navy team" he said.
ANN Salutes Chief Mass Communication Specialist Christopher E.
Tucker, USS Essex (LHD 2) Public Affairs