Subscribe
NORFOLK – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE) hosted a Friends and Family Day Cruise, Aug. 20, 2024.
More than 1,000 friends and family members were invited to embark on a one-day cruise that showcased the ship’s air capabilities, underway operations and IKE’s teamwork and professionalism. The one-day event also marked the first underway since IKE returned from its nine-month deployment to U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility.
“Today was a very special day for our friends, families and the Sailors aboard IKE,” said Capt. Chris “Chowdah” Hill, commanding officer, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). “Our families and friends are the ones who supported us through this deployment and to have the opportunity to share our appreciation and the pride we have in our service is second to none. These Sailors have done a tremendous job—all of which would not be possible without our support systems back home.”
Entertainment, activities and refreshments were provided by the United Service Organizations (USO) and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR).
“We’re happy to be here today at the Friends and Family Day, giving out Girl Scout Cookies and popcorn,” said Nikki Jones, USO staff. “We also hosted activities like axe throwing and cornhole; showcasing what the USO centers did for Sailors on deployment.”
The cruise also included static displays of ordnance and an interactive damage control demonstration, where guests could put on firefighting equipment.
“It’s really nice to see the interaction with parents and small children,” said Michelle Wallace, a Sailor’s family guest. “That, and the leadership giving us the opportunity to see what Sailors do is something special.”
The main event was an air power demonstration, held on the flight deck in the afternoon, showcasing aircraft from Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3. Family and friends gathered on the flight deck to witness aircraft being launched and recovered, followed by IKE’s return to its homeport of Naval Station Norfolk.
| Date Taken: | 08.20.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.26.2024 11:36 |
| Story ID: | 479819 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 44 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Hosts Friends and Family Day Cruise, by SN Brianna Barnett, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
