April 25, 2015

Finest Hour 117, Winter 2002-03

Page 14

By D. Craig Horn

NORFOLK, VA., APRIL 15TH— I arrived at U.S. Naval Station about 6:30 in the evening, and was escorted aboard USS Winston S. Churchill by a courteous Ensign, David Noe, who secured my bunk arrangements and showed me around the ship. Our first stop was the bridge, where I had a wonderful view of the ship, the Navy Yard, and the USS Theodore Roosevelt tied up on our starboard side. Ensign Noe took me through Combat Information Centre (CIC), to the fantail, down to the engine room. It seemed only an instant before I needed “sack time.”

At 3:00 am loudspeakers announced “Reveille, now reveille, all hands prepare to get underway.” I was up, dressed and outside in minutes, a little more tired than expected, but so excited I could have exited the cabin without opening the hatch. A great breakfast in the wardroom; I then joined another guest, Don Rullman of the Stamford, Connecticut, Navy League, in the pilothouse.

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In the morning gloom the bridge came alive with Navy professionals, each knowing exactly what to do. The lights from scopes, gauges and monitors illuminated the area with an eerie red glow that gave a sense of power and excitement. We cast off and headed out to sea: all business on the bridge for the next couple of hours. Orders are given sternly and responses supplied promptly. These young men and women know their roles and waste no time getting them done, but courtesy is not lost in the process.

We spent the entire day at sea. One of only a few who were free of duties, I wandered. Everywhere I went I was greeted politely, and with a firm desire to answer my every question. A well-trained crew is motivated and led by an outstanding officer corps. From Ensigns to Commanders, all went out of their way. And the food! I had always heard that Navy food was the best. Well, it’s true: why can’t there be a restaurant like this near my house?

The day was filled with exercises and tests. We went full speed forward and then full speed reverse. We rolled from side-to-side, stopped dead in the water, turned, and zig-zagged. There were airborne intercept exercises, AntiSubmarine Warfare (ASW) and Chemical-Biological-Radiological (CBR) exercises. I stood on the fantail and watched the DDG-81 throw up a rooster-tail that put a smile on my face while soaking me to my skin.

We returned to Norfolk at about 6:30 p.m. and gently placed all 513 feet of destroyer between the Roosevelt and the Harry S. Truman. It was a sobering day as I reflected on the power of this ship. She can go backward faster than most ships of World War II could go forward. Her firepower is awe-inspiring. I listened astonished to explanations of how this or that worked, or what can be accomplished under certain circumstances; then to look around and realize that nearly everyone on board is younger than my youngest child! The ship’s namesake would be proud.

This was Commander Franken’s last sail as commanding officer of the Churchill. He has since received his promotion to Captain. A gentleman as well as a professional, Mike wears command naturally. I am privileged to have been in his company.

Her third commanding officer is now captain of the U.S.S. Winston S. Churchill. May he and his crew have calm seas and peaceful sails. May they meet the challenges ahead with resolution and the peace that follows with good will. And they will. They are the United States Navy.

Mr. Horn is Treasurer of The Churchill Centre.