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Secretary of the Navy Hosts Japanese Ambassador Aboard Aircraft Carrier

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080918-12
Release Date: 9/18/2008 3:35:00 PM

From USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs

USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- The Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) hosted the Japanese ambassador to the United States for an overnight embark Sept. 17 on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), operating off the coast of Virginia.

For nearly 24 hours aboard Eisenhower, Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki observed firsthand the skillful and safe operation of the nuclear-powered carrier and the embarked aircraft of Carrier Air Wing 7.

Fujisaki's visit coincides with the pending arrival of Ike's sister ship, the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) in Yokosuka, Japan, where it will replace USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) as the forward deployed carrier.

"This has been a wonderful and timely opportunity to showcase the aircraft carrier and airwing," said the Honorable Donald C. Winter, SECNAV.

"More importantly, it has been a great way to observe the training opportunities and get a sense of the tremendous men and women who crew this carrier and fly and maintain its aircraft."

During the embark, Fujisaki observed flight operations from the navigation bridge as Winter explained the precise coordination required for each aircraft launch and recovery. At night, they stood on the 4.5-acre flight deck and watched as aviators landed on the dark deck in the Atlantic Ocean. Each evolution demonstrated the high level of training received by Sailors.

"Ike Sailors, just like their shipmates aboard George Washington, are true professionals," said Rear Adm. Kurt W. Tidd, Carrier Strike Group 8 commander.

"We spend countless hours each day engaged in rigorous, realistic training so that we can operate these incredibly complex ships and aircraft in a safe, highly disciplined manner. We recognize that for our friends and allies to trust our commitment to their security, they must have complete confidence in the rigor of our training."

Throughout the visit, Ike Sailors discussed their responsibilities and Navy pride as they briefed Fujisaki in the combat direction center, flight deck control, medical spaces and an enlisted berthing compartment.

"By having Ambassador Fujisaki spend this much time with us, he can personally attest to the quality of our Navy men and women as they professionally execute their responsibilities in a demanding, high-tempo environment," according to Tidd.

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn69/.