Posted by
Ron Devito on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 6:39:11 AM
by Army Sgt. Ricardo Branch
Northern Edge 2009 Joint Information Bureau
6/23/2009
- 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 (Branch, 2009, ¶1).
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 (Branch, 2009, ¶2).
"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" (Branch, 2009, ¶3)
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 (Branch, 2009, ¶4).
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 meets Alaskan constituents
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 during the
military joint-training exercise Northern Edge 2009 (Photo by Army Sgt.
Ricardo Branch, Northern Edge Joint Information Bureau).
"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" (Branch, 2009, ¶5)
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 (Branch, 2009, ¶6).
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 (Branch, 2009, ¶7).
"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" (Branch, 2009, ¶8).
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 (Branch, 2009, ¶9).
"This is a huge deal for
them," Vance said. "This visit is icing on the cake after a five month
cruise at sea" (Branch, 2009, ¶10)
Throughout her visit on the
ship, Palin was asked what part of the ship excited her the most. Her
reply was simple--the people (Branch, 2009, ¶11).
"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" (Branch, 2009, ¶12)
Governor Palin's 20-year-old son, Track, is currently serving in Iraq as a member of the U.S. Army (Branch, 2009, ¶13).
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 (Branch, 2009, ¶14).
Commentary
As
a Transformational Leader, Governor Palin always seeks to acquire and
maintain operational knowledge of anything that falls within her
purview, as she has done so many times before. This is refreshing to
see in a leader -- most are content to confine themselves to some ivory
tower and never see the real world around them to include that part of
it which falls under their jurisdiction.
Though she does not yet
command Navy and Air Force crews, this exercise was being conducted in
Alaskan waters for the specific purpose of protecting that state.
Governor Palin is briefed on such activities, and that is what makes
this a command experience accomplishment item.
In paragraph's 11
and 12 we see Governor Palin's dedication to our service members: the
people aboard excited her most about the trip. Paragraph 12 bears
repeating in its entirety:
"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" (Branch, 2009, ¶12)
Yesterday,
Governor Palin received an honor normally given to Presidents.
Interestingly, the man who we have given that title has never been
aboard an aircraft carrier -- even though he commands them.
Today,
Governor Palin will be visting Army National Guard troops -- who are
under her command. That story will be posted once it becomes available.
Governor
Palin is ready to be our Commander in Chief. She is ready to stand
guard over the collective house we call the USA. She has more than
sufficient operational knowledge of the military; she has command
experience and top security clearances. And as a mother whose own son
is in combat, she knows the meaning of sacrifice and will execute her
command wisely.
References
Branch,
R. (Army Sgt.) (2009, June 23). "Governor Palin visits USS Stennis."
United States Air Force, Elmendorf Air Force Base. Retrieved June 24,
2009 from: http://www.elmendorf.af.mil/news/story.asp?storyID=123155606