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The
Theodore Roosevelt Association Annual Meeting in Norfolk, VA began
Friday evening with a banquet. Saturday the group had the pleasure
of being guests of the USS Theodore Roosevelt as she headed out
to sea for a "Family Day" cruise. A smaller group ended
the weekend with a trip up to TR's Presidential Retreat, Pine Knot. |
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A perfect
fall Saturday
The TRA had the
great privilege to welcome the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71)
and her crew back from their extended and notable tour of duty
in the Adriatic Sea, reaffirm our relationship as a support organization
for this aircraft carrier, and most importantly to put faces to
the incredibly hard work that the crew of the carrier performs
on a regular basis.
Any
question as to why the Navy would hold a "Family Day"
cruise should be clear here as TR crew member Below hoists someone
up for a clear view of the air show.
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air wing performed close manoeuvers demonstrating the excellence
of all the ship's teams which make carrier flight possible. From
pilots, to flight deck to those down in the steam room, everyone
performed flawlessly, just as they had on their tour of duty. |
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Commander
David Bryant spoke of his officers and crew with great admiration,
decribing the efforts of all the different teams of the ship. And
he spoke movingly of how difficult is was to single out one, particularly
one Jr. Officer for special recognition. |
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During
the dinnert the night before the cruise, the TRA gave that special
recognition with its Jr. Officer of the Year Award. This year the
Officer (C) selected by Commander Bryant(L), was the commander of
the flight deck - who inspired his team to peak performance while
deck temperatures reaching a shoe melting 130 degrees. In this picture
the Officers are joined by RADM Parcells, the first commander of
TR. They stand in front of the President Theodore Roosevelt's
Navy flag, now restored, stabilized and presented back to the carrier.
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Other highlights
of the dinner included a keynote speech on "TR and the Navy"
by Edward J. Renehan, Jr. author of The Lion's Pride: Theodore
Roosevelt and His Family in Peace and War. Dr.
John Gable was recognized for 25 years of scholarship and service
to the Theodore Roosevelt Association. Dr.
Gable (below left), and Mr. Renehan (below center) speaking with
TR's great-grandaughter, Alexandra Roosevelt Dworkin.
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But the weekend
was crammed with special events, and even as the TRA members left
the carrier, there was more to come. The departure from the carrier
was particularly significant for US Naval
Reserve Flight Surgeon Capt. Gary P. Kearney MC USNR, a TRA
member, who commemorated over 20 years of sevice with his retirement
ceremony as he departed the carrier. TRA members assembled for
dinner at the Breezy Point Officer's Club, and now Dr. Kearney,
MC USNR Ret (above right), spoke passionately of his time in the
Naval service bringing to life the experiences of the young pilots
he has worked with over the years.
The final
speaker of the day, former the Prime Minister of Mongolia (left).
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