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June 24, 2009
Governor Palin visits USS Stennis
Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin greets Alaskan constituents inside the hanger bay of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) on Monday during the military joint-training exercise Northern Edge 2009 (Photo by Army Sgt. Ricardo Branch, Northern Edge Joint Information Bureau).
Governor Palin watches flights take off
Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin watches flight operations off from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) on Monday during the military joint-training exercise Northern Edge 2009 (Photo by Army Sgt. Ricardo Branch, Northern Edge Joint Information Bureau)
Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin watches flight operations off from the deck of the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) on Monday
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and her husband Todd walk to a C-2A Greyhound logistics aircraft that will be taking them out to the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) during exercise Northern Edge 2009, Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, June 18, 2009. Northern Edge 2009 is Alaska's largest military training exercise. It prepares joint forces to respond to crises throughout the Asia-Pacific region. (Released/U.S. Air Force photo by TSgt Dennis J. Henry Jr.)
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Governor Palin visits USS Stennis
by Army Sgt. Ricardo Branch
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska
Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin made a surprise visit to Sailors and personnel onboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) on Monday during the military joint-training exercise Northern Edge 2009.
The invitation came as a surprise for the governor, who jumped at the opportunity to visit U.S. service members and learn more about U.S. Navy operations.
"This is such an honor to be here," Palin said. "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for my husband Todd and I to see an aircraft carrier in action, and see what its crew does to keep America safe."
During the visit, Palin toured the ship's facilities to include; flight deck takeoffs and landings, bridge operations, a tour of the hangar bay, and a meet and greet with Alaskan constituents.
"I'm enjoying this opportunity to meet the men and women of the ship," she said. "It's a chance to meet the people who have chosen to serve something greater and larger than themselves and a good time to say thank you."
The Stennis, which is in the Gulf of Alaska, is supporting Alaska's premier joint services exercise with fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft operations.
Rear Adm. Mark A. Vance, commander of the Carrier Strike Group Three (CCSG) 3, said any visit from a high profile official is a real honor for the personnel onboard the ship.
"It's not every day a governor comes onboard," Vance said. "We tell our Sailors thank you every day, but when it comes from someone like Governor Palin, it makes it all the more special."
He said the visit comes at a time when the Stennis has been at sea for five months in various exercises before coming up north to Alaska in support of Northern Edge.
"This is a huge deal for them," Vance said. "This visit is icing on the cake after a five month cruise at sea."
Throughout her visit on the ship, Palin was asked what part of the ship excited her the most. Her reply was simple--the people.
"Meeting the men and women really touched my heart," she said. "Just shaking their hands and meeting them is a real honor. I have a great appreciation for the military and everyone out here. When just looking at many of the young men here, I see my son. He's serving in the military and just like everyone here, has the same drive and dedication in protecting those he loves."
Governor Palin's 20-year-old son, Track, is currently serving in Iraq as a member of the U.S. Army.
The Stennis will be wrapping up Northern Edge operations this week and returning to its home station for some much needed time off for the Sailors and personnel onboard the vessel.
Wild Thing's comment.......
It sure feels good to read about a real conservative and I love when she visits the troops.
Thank you Sarah!
Posted by Wild Thing at June 24, 2009 05:49 AM
Comments
I bet Sarah's visit was a real treat to the sailors from Alaska. She jumps at a chance to mingle with the military and to learn how it operates. Meantime our Commander in Chief obama disdains the military.
Posted by: TomR at June 24, 2009 11:21 AM
That is just wonderful WT, I'm glad Alaska has Sarah Palin at the helm during these difficult times with N. Korea. I've been inside the revetments on the west side of Ressurection Bay just South of Seward, it was real.
Most people think of Alaska and Hawaii almost like they are overseas countries, blindly ignorant of two facts, both states were attacked in WWII by Japan, Alaska was invaded and the enemy had to be driven out, since statehood both states are physically the closest to foreign attack.
Not forgetting the ease that our enemy slipped into this nation and attacked the World Trade Center and our Pentagon with an aborted attempt on the Capitol. The enemy agents were then and still are treated as coveted friends by out government. What's wrong with this picture?
CIC and TOTUS prefers to break bread and celebrate our national independence day with these heathens.
I totally agree Tom.
Posted by: Jack at June 24, 2009 02:02 PM
Yeah, what a treat that must have been. To have a genuine conservative abord the Stennis. I'll bet she did more than shake hands and move on, talked, and tried to get to know some of the sailors. Like obama who came in shook hands and promptly left. Ovomit treated the troops like they had some kind of disease, he couldn't get out of there fast enough.
Posted by: Mark at June 24, 2009 02:35 PM
It is great that Palin gets out there and lets the service people know that not all of America's Government leadership is a waste of air.
By 2012, if the country is still working, Obama may be displacing George McGovern as the most defeated candidate in American history.
Posted by: Avitar at June 24, 2009 04:32 PM
Tom, yes what a huge difference.
I wish they could make it where Obama
was not allowed to be in the presence
of our troops. Ban him! heh heh I mean
it, I would love that.
Posted by: Wild Thing at June 24, 2009 09:00 PM
Jack, I hope there are Tea Parties
near there on July 4th and Obama
is miserable.
Posted by: Wild Thing at June 24, 2009 09:07 PM
Mark, yes and sge asks them for their
names too and speaks directly to each
one. They love her like they did Bush, like
you said they know she is real.
Posted by: Wild Thing at June 24, 2009 09:09 PM
Avitar, I love hearing the word defeated
when it comes to Obama.
Posted by: Wild Thing at June 24, 2009 09:11 PM
