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USS Theodore Roosevelt Hosts General Petraeus on Thanksgiving

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081127-08
Release Date: 11/27/2008 4:13:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bonnie Williams, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Theodore Roosevelt (TR) (CVN 71) hosted Army Gen. David H. Petraeus, commander, U.S. Central Command, Nov. 27-28 to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with the crew.

Petraeus, along with Commander 5th Fleet, Vice Adm. William E. Gortney, visited the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, currently deployed to the 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

"[I came here] to share Thanksgiving dinner with some shipmates and to re-enlist some great Sailors," said Petraeus. "The mission is very important. The skill and expertise of the members of the crew here are very impressive. It is a privilege to be out here on this ship on this special occasion to share Thanksgiving with all the members of the crew."

While aboard, Petraeus spoke to the senior enlisted leaders about operations in the area and thanked them for their service and continued support.

"He was straightforward and descriptive about challenges in our mission and explained how our support makes an impact in theatre," said Senior Chief Navy Counselor (AW/SW) Michael Sekeet of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8. "He was also supportive about the challenges we have in leadership and how it applies to our junior Sailors."

Petraeus observed several of TR's major activities before his departure including flight operations and a simultaneous vertical replenishment and connected replenishment with USNS Lewis and Clark (T-AKE 1) and USNS Tippecanoe (T-AO 199).

"[Sailors] should know how proud and appreciative the American citizens are of all they are doing while deployed around the world," said Petraeus. "The missions are hugely important. The American public knows that and they are very, very supportive. It should make everyone feel good about what it is they are engaged in and about those with whom they served."

The Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group is on deployment in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility, and are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States' commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity.

For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/ or www.tr.surfor.navy.mil.