Navy DV Tour

Off for a new adventure. For the past 25 years I have been privileged to be a member of the Young/World Presidents' Organization (YPO or WPO.org) and have had access to a number of life changing programs. This week I am attending a US Navy sponsored distinguished visitor program. I arrived in San Diego today, Mon, 8/16/10, for the beginning of a once in a life time opportunity. Tomorrow 12 YPO/WPO members will meet at the Navy's North Island air station and be flown out to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz, land by tail hook and spend 24 hours abroad viewing flight operations and touring the ship. We will spend the night aboard and meet with the captain and crew during our stay. We will witness both day and night flight operations of "nugget" or new carrier qualification pilots. On Thursday we will be catapulted off the ship and return to North Island.

As a former Navy nuclear submarine engineer this will be a glimpse into a world I was not able to experience during my six years of duty. Should be quite exciting. We used to call carriers "very large targets" in my submarine days.

Have to roll out of bed at 0600 tomorrow, so time for a good night's sleep. More tomorrow.

Monday 17 Aug 2010

Had a nice SWA non-stop flight from Chicago Midway to San Diego. Of course I had to submit to the usual TSA pat down shuffle due to my titanium hip, which has happened at every airport in the world except London and S. Africa, where the most good would have given me a psychological sense of security. Then breakfast at Harry Carry's and off to San Diego.

Arrived on time, took a taxi to the very nice Westin Gas Lamp Hotel, which provided me with a lovely room to enjoy for the night.

The event was organized by the Wisconsin Chapter of YPO/WPO with nine members that included members from Windy City (Chicago) and one from WPO Indiana (me). Nice guys all who met for dinner that included a two mile forced march to the Top of the Fish Market Restaurant located right next to the USS Midway aircraft museum. We all became fast friends quickly. I was the only one who had made the trip before (actually twice, once on the Abraham Lincoln and the Nimitz), so I became the "expert" for the trip, unfortunately.

Took a taxi back to the Westin and settled in for a much needed eight hour nap.

So I don't have to recreate the program here is what I received from the Navy Public Affairs Office:

Commander, Naval Air Forces
Public Affairs Office
Box 357051
Naval Air Station North Island
San Diego, CA 92135

Dear Guest,

I am very pleased that you will be joining us for a Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF) Distinguished Visitor (DV) embark aboard an aircraft carrier. Your embark journey will begin and end at Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego, CA.

As a DV, you will have a rare first-hand look, at life aboard a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, and witness the pride and professionalism of our young men and women who serve our country at sea. I am confident it will be a memorable and enjoyable experience for you.

Ideally, we would like to invite every American citizen to join us for a day at sea to see their Navy in action – but unfortunately that simply isn’t possible. Instead, we invite people like you, who are active leaders in the community, so that you can share your embark experience with others. Some of the guests we invite to participate in the embark program include legislative representatives, city council members, corporate executives, educators, and leaders of broad-based organizations who have not previously experienced the excitement of aircraft carrier operations.

Once you see flight operations on the deck of an aircraft carrier, I think you will agree that these embarks provide unique opportunities to foster awareness and understanding of the role of carrier aviation, as well as demonstrate the high-level of training required to keep our Sailors ready to meet the nation’s needs.

Included with this letter are information sheets to prepare you for your embark. Please review those pages prior to arriving in San Diego.

Please understand that you must pay your own lodging and transportation costs, to and from San Diego, and that the ship’s schedule is always subject to change due to operational necessity.

If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Steve Fiebing, The DV Program Coordinator at: steve.fiebing@navy.mil; or call: (619) 767-1622, or 619-347-3630.

Thank you for your interest in Naval Aviation. We look forward to your participation!

Sincerely,

Pauline Storum
Commander, U.S. Navy
Public Affairs Officer
DV Embark Preparation Information

SCHEDULE CHANGES. While it rarely impacts visits, the ship's schedule is always subject to change on short notice, and embarks may be canceled. In the event this occurs, we will contact you immediately. If you learn that you cannot join us for an embark, please contact us as soon as possible, so we may offer this opportunity to someone else.

HOTEL RESERVATIONS: There are many hotels close to Naval Air Station North Island. The San Diego Chamber of Commerce web site at http://www.sdchamber.org/ provides numerous options. Click on the "hotel" button after choosing your date, then select Coronado, Downtown, or Harbor Island. The base is located on the north end of Coronado, across San Diego Bay from Downtown San Diego.

Please arrive in San Diego the night before your embark. DVs must provide their own transportation to/from NAS North Island. Military flights to the carrier are extremely susceptible to changes prior to takeoff; so, it is essential that we have your contact information either at your hotel or cell phone, to notify you of any changes.

-- Once everyone has gathered at the Visitor Lot, guests who drove to the base will be led in their cars past the guards, following the government vans; and will park their cars at the Air Passenger Terminal overnight. Although it is safe, please do not leave valuables in your car.

At the Air Passenger Terminal, your luggage will be delivered to Sailors who will pre-load them onto the aircraft. You will not see your bag until late in the afternoon. At this point, guests should pull their cameras and any medications they will need throughout the day from their bags. A small carry-on bag is allowed to travel with the guest; but you will be carrying the bag ALL DAY, until you return to your stateroom. It is best to plan to travel ‘light’, and carry only what you will need.

RETURNING FROM THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER: Plan to return to NAS North Island late in the afternoon, the following day. We may be able to provide you an estimated time of return a couple days prior to your embarkation, but return times can change depending on operations. Therefore, please do not schedule a commercial flight earlier than 6:00 p.m., on your day of return.

******** VERY IMPORTANT DETAILS PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY ********

If you are delayed, or have any issues or questions prior to your arrival to NAS North Island, please call Mr. Fiebing at (619) 347-3630.

MONEY: You will be charged $40-$50 dollars for your stay on board the ship. This includes meals and souvenir items. Please bring CASH as checks and credit cards are NOT accepted. You should also bring spending CASH for snacks or souvenirs from the ship’s store.

PHYSICAL EXERTION: There are no elevators for moving people on an aircraft carrier. Guests must be fully mobile and able to climb up to 10 stories of stairs in order to reach the Bridge and other upper-deck viewing areas.

Another physical obstacle unknown to most guests is ‘knee-knockers’. They are 12-inch high doorways cut into steel bulkheads (walls) that are located throughout the ship. Moving from bow to stern guests will pass through dozens of these doorways requiring a ‘high step’ to clear each door.

WHILE AT SEA:

Motion sickness – guests who experience motion sickness or nausea should begin taking medications at least 24-hours prior to boarding the aircraft to fly to the ship. Most over-the-counter motion products need at least that much time to be fully effective.

Cell Phones – Mobile phones do not work at sea. Guests may bring them, and can use them until boarding the aircraft. Guest should ‘turn off’ their phone prior to boarding the aircraft; otherwise the device will probably have no battery life by the time guest’s return to North Island.

Cameras – Cameras are allowed in most areas of the ship. Escorts will not take you to any location where classified material is present. Flash photography IS NOT PERMITTED on the flight deck at any time. This is a safety issue and will not be overlooked. If you don’t know how to turn off the flash on your camera, then do not use your camera when on the flight deck; especially during nighttime operations.

Medications – The ship will have you on an aggressive touring schedule, to afford you the greatest opportunity to see as much of the ship and flight operations as possible. Visits to your stateroom where your bag will be, are limited. Therefore, it is recommended, that if you require medications throughout the day, you keep those medications with you.

Fatigue – Many guests who regularly exercise may experience fatigue by the second day of their journey. If you find yourself becoming fatigued, please let your escort know, so that the itinerary can be modified.

Engage the Sailors – They make the Navy work and most will be happy to tell you all about it.

Towels/Robes – The ship will provide towels and robes for your use while aboard the ship, so please do not bring those items to the ship.

Language/Culture – The Navy has a unique language (use of a lot of acronyms) and culture that has developed over the centuries. If Sailors or escorts are talking about a subject you don’t understand, please ask them to explain. We want you to get the most out of your experience.

Earrings – Please do not wear earrings. The protective head gear used on the flights and flight deck can cause discomfort to anyone wearing earrings.

RETURNING HOME: Plan to return from the carrier late in the afternoon. You will return to the same terminal where your car is parked. Guests who were delivered to the terminal via government vans will be transported to the Visitor Parking Lot at the NAS North Island Main Gate, where they can meet a taxi or limo. The CNAF staff can provide a phone # for taxi service from the Main Gate upon your return to NASNI. Taxis are usually waiting at the gate by the time you reach the visitor lot.

Please do not schedule a commercial flight earlier than 6:00 p.m. on the day of return.

Preparation for Aircraft Carrier Embark

Typical Aircraft Carrier Embark Itinerary

DAY ONE

8:15 a.m. Arrive at the Main Gate, Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island. You can find the location by using the following address: 300 Alameda Blvd., Coronado, CA. A member of the Public Affairs staff will meet you there. If you are early, please wait in the lot. Call (619) 347-3630 if there are delays or questions.

8:30 a.m. Transit to the DV terminal to drop off luggage, then transit to Commander, Naval Air Forces Headquarters, Building 8.

9:00 a.m. Command briefing at the CNAF staff conference room by a senior member of the Commander Naval Air Forces staff.

10:45 a.m. Transit to the NAS North Island DV Terminal (Building 516) for the aircraft commander's brief, aircrew safety brief and departure by C-2 aircraft to the aircraft carrier. Secure parking is available at the terminal.

12:00 p.m. Depart NAS North Island via C-2A

1:00 p.m. Land aboard the aircraft carrier for your overnight visit.

1:00 p.m. Begin carrier embark:

Greeted by ship’s CO


Observe day flight operations

Have lunch/dinner with the ship’s crew

Check into staterooms

Tour spaces above the hangar bay

Observe night flight operations

DAY TWO

7:00 a.m. Continue carrier embark:

Have breakfast with the crew

Tour spaces below the hangar bay

Observe day flight operations

1:30 p.m. Board the C-2 aircraft to return to NAS North Island. This time is an approx. take off time.

3:00 p.m. (APPROXIMATELY) Return to NAS North Island DV Terminal.

3:30 p.m. (APPROXIMATELY) Depart NAS North Island
___________________________________________________________________________

PLEASE BE FLEXIBLE. All times are subject to change at any time due to operational needs. Please DO NOT make personal plans for the afternoon of day two prior to 6:00 p.m., as the aircraft may return later than expected.

Now you have the schedule. To continue.......



We had an hour long and very interesting briefing at the Commander's office that included a really good outline of the Navy's global mission. From there it was back to the North Island Air Terminal for the flight safety briefing and equipment dispersal. We were issued an inflatable life vest, foam ear plugs and a form of helmet called a "cranial," which looked like a WWI canvas flying helmet with two pieces of armor attached and another set of ear protectors to be worn along with our foam plugs (it was loud on the plane). Photos will give you a better idea when posted.

We all looked equally funny all geared up as we made our way to the tarmac and our waiting Carrier Onboard Delivery, COD, flight called a "Greyhound." This is the Navy's versatile, all around pickup truck for carriers and is a twin engine turbo prop cargo plane that holds about 24 people that sit facing the rear. Ours was old and looked it, but seemed to be safe. Oh, and there are only two very small windows in the middle of the aircraft, so we were literally flying in the dark. Our flight out to the Nimitz was very smooth and uneventful until it was time to land. We would be landing on the Nimitz's flight deck using an arresting hook just like you saw in Top Gun, only in our case, we had two tries at landing as the plane was not able to hook onto the arresting cable and had to do a "go around." All aircraft landing on a carrier go to full power once they hit the deck (hit being a good word as we hit hard) in case they miss, or bolter, to create enough power and air speed to take off again. The second try was the charm and we again hit with a bang, caught the cable and came to a complete stop in 300 feet. As we were facing backwards, our seats absorbed our body's inertia, but it was still a kick in the ass and a fun way to arrive.

The Greyhound taxied to the ship's "island" or tower while we were entertained with the jet blasts of fighter jets being shot off the ship. Once inside the island our gear was returned and we started to look like regular guys as we were escorted to the Captain's cabin for a briefing by Captain Monger. Now, this guy was the real deal, every inch of him was stamped "cool" and professional; a very impressive officer who looked, acted, and spoke like he was born to be the captain of a nuclear powered aircraft carrier. He was in charge of a multi-billion dollar 1100 ft long carrier with 50 very high tech aircraft and 5000 men and women aboard. Talk about a big responsibility. Having been in the Navy for six years, I almost came to attention and saluted when he walked into the cabin. Our country in very good hands with the Captain Monger's in charge of our Navy.

He gave us a very good briefing (I have it on video) and we had soft drinks and snacks during our conversation time after the briefing. No booze aboard, verboten in the Navy. But, they did have women . . .

We then split up to watch air ops from the part of the island they call "vultures row" or a balcony that overlooked the flight deck. It is impossible to adequately describe the experience of watching F-18 Hornets and Super Hornets, the Navy's fighter jets, as they are launched off the ship and then recovered. I have videos, or you can just rent Top Gun and see what I saw. We then were allowed on the flight deck, wearing our life jackets and cranial again, to see launches up close a personal. Wow!! Loud, windy, engulfed in JP5 fuel exhaust and steam from the catapults used to launch the aircraft. An F-18 goes from a standing start to 140 kts in just under three seconds. Think of it, a 70,000 lb airplane full of fuel and munitions shot off the deck and it FLYS. So very, very cool. I am told the catapult has the energy to throw a Cadillac over twenty miles, and I wish it had done so to all of GM while we had the chance. We stood about 50 feet from the action. The crew that works the flight deck has different colored shirts to indicate their respective jobs. Their average age is 19 and boy do they know what they are doing. It was similar to watching a form of ballet as they went about their jobs of "shooting" aircraft into the clear Pacific air and landing them when they came home.

Next we stood on the deck and watched aircraft recovery ops, or traps, or landings. Now, whoa this is really cool too. Landing a fighter jet on a flight deck in 300 feet is a real trick. There are four arresting cables stretched across the flight deck and the pilot's job is to catch the third one of the four. Once they hit the deck its full military power, afterburner and sparks flying everywhere. Totally amazing.

I could have watched flight deck operations for hours it was so fascinating. The flight deck is one of the most dangerous work places there is and these young sailors, both men and women, really knew their stuff.

Having been a part of the draft generation where we all knew we would find ourselves in the military, the general attitude of most crews was one of resignation and most of us were not happy to be there. Our all volunteer Navy is so refreshing as the sailors are there because they chose to be and their attitude was pure professional. We had the chance to visit with any enlisted or officer crew members and they were friendly, interested in why were there and very willing to answer our manifold questions. I was impressed. Our nation is in good hands with these fine people serving us.

The Navy's Public Affairs office prepared a very full schedule and we were free to go just about anywhere we wished when not touring. The PAO officers and enlisted personnel were very professional and easy to get to know. I really enjoyed the time we spent with all of them. It was a very well organized 24 hours.

We were able to visit the ship's bridge and witness ship's control operations and the flight bridge where the "air boss" ran flight operations. Again, tremendous attention to safety and professionals to the hilt.

We had dinner in the officer's wardroom with the Executive Officer, XO, chief engineer, and other ship's personnel. I was able to spend time with the Chief of the Boat, an E-9 Command Chief, who was the top enlisted person on board. He was another amazing guy you want on your side in a fight.

After dinner it was back to "vulture's row" to watch night flight operations and what a show that was. Landing an aircraft during the day is no mean feat, so imagine doing so at night!!?? A carrier's flight deck is very dim and a pilot must depend completely on instruments, the landing officer and a lighted landing aid called the "meat ball" to land safely. What a show at night. Once flight ops were complete, the ship's 50 cal machine guns were put to use with target practice. The tracers of six to eight guns firing was like the fourth of July.

We were very fortunate to have a briefing with the Carrier Task Force Admiral that lasted for about an hour. He like the Nimitz's captain was an intelligent, pure professional who knew his business and could explain the mission of his carrier task force. We had a great briefing with lots of Q&A. Very, very impressive.

We then hit our racks in officer's quarters with two to a room. My roommate was Dan Schmidt a YPOer from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, a really great guy and organizer of the event. He was nice enough to take the top bunk as he had pity on an old WPO member's bad hip. We slept well. Breakfast was held in the Chief's mess where we were able to visit with some of the senior enlisted petty officers, or Chief's, E7-9. The chiefs run the Navy for without them nothing would get done. Great guys, fun to visit with, and again, pure professionals.

We visited the ship's sick bay, ordinance department, Combat Operations Center and a few other departments before we had to report to the COD waiting compartment. We put our cranial and life vests on for the last time and were briefed about what to expect with being catapulted off the ship. Back into the Greyhound, pulled all four safety belts as tight as possible; remember we were facing backwards and the force of takeoff would be absorbed by these belts. We had a full plan load; I sat in the dark again listening to the roar of jet engines as we taxied to our assigned catapult. The engines went to full power straining to take off and the crew of the COD waved their arms and shouted to let us know we were about to be shot off the ship. You can prepare yourself all you want for the experience of going from 0 to 140 kts in less than three seconds, but it won't help. The sheer force of being hurdled into the sky by a powerful steam driven catapult is not to be described. Violent, gut wrenching and the absolutely coolest ride I have ever experienced; and then it's all over once air born. Quiet and smooth sitting in your darkened aircraft headed off to nearby North Island.

We landed without incident taxied to the air terminal and disembarked to a beautiful San Diego sunny and cool day having a once-in-a-life time opportunity few ever experience. Thank you US Navy and its public affairs office for allowing us to enjoy you kind hospitality and showing us the finest fighting ship on the globe. Outstanding and well done, men and women of our US Navy.