PACIFIC OCEAN - The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) held a birthday ceremony on the aft-mess decks to celebrate the birthday of former President Theodore Roosevelt, and the 37th anniversary of the commissioning of the ship, Oct. 26, 2023.
The ceremony featured a look into the history of the ship and its namesake, as well as remarks from several guest speakers, including Capt. Brian Schrum, Theodore Roosevelt’s commanding officer.
“I had the opportunity to get out and fly today, and for a moment, I had the chance to look down at the ship and think what it’s like to be the commanding officer,” said Schrum. “All this hard work and effort we’ve put in, throughout this year and last, overcoming all challenges and qualifications...here we are. We’re strong, we’re bold, and we’re courageous.”
Chief Master-at-Arms Lance Shults, who served as the master of ceremonies, went over the history of USS Theodore Roosevelt since its commissioning and how it represents the president it was named after.
“As Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Roosevelt supported research and development in carrier aviation and is regarded as the father of the modern Navy,” said Shults. “For these reasons, the Navy decided to name the fourth Nimitz-class aircraft carrier in honor of Theodore Roosevelt in 1981.”
Shults continued to share how the ship was officially commissioned on Oct. 25, 1986. He said this aircraft carrier has a vast and varied history of supporting numerous operations around the world in the pursuit of freedom.
“USS Theodore Roosevelt has deployed fifteen times throughout the world in support of our national interests,” said Shults. “During the Persian Gulf War, the ship completed over 4,200 sorties in support of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. That's more than any other carrier.”
Throughout its time as a U.S. Navy vessel, USS Theodore Roosevelt and its crew have earned a variety of awards, proving the exceptional fighting capabilities of the ship, as well as the resilience of its crew – a tradition this crew intends to carry forward.
The event concluded with a ceremonial cake cutting, where Schrum cut the first slice of cake alongside junior Sailors.
For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit http://www.navy.mil/local/cvn71. Join the conversation with TR online at www.facebook.com/USSTheodoreRoosevelt and at www.twitter.com/TheRealCVN71.
Date Taken: | 10.26.2023 |
Date Posted: | 11.29.2023 16:11 |
Story ID: | 457105 |
Location: | PACIFIC OCEAN |
Web Views: | 523 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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