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CNO Visits Constellation

Story Number: NNS030129-06

1/29/2003

By Journalist 3rd Class Chad Runge, USS Constellation Public Affairs

ABOARD USS CONSTELLATION, At Sea (NNS) -- The Sailors of USS Constellation (CV 64), known as 'Connie,' recently welcomed Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Vern Clark for an underway visit.

Making the journey halfway around the world with the CNO were Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Terry Scott and Chief of Chaplains Adm. Barry Black.

The first stop for the group was the ship's hangar bay, where the entire ship's company and air wing personnel welcomed the distinguished visitors with a thundering applause upon their arrival. Clark stepped up to the microphone and invited the crowd to gather around the podium as he spoke words of encouragement and motivation.

"Remember, the American people are watching you," Clark said. "Be ready to go write some history."

"If the call comes and if the president says do this.then do it," Clark continued. "Hit fast, hit hard, hit with precision."

Scott next took to the podium and spoke of the last time he was aboard Connie, during her 2001 deployment in the Arabian Gulf. He also spoke of Constellation being a stepping stone for greatness.

"Connie is a schoolhouse for leaders. There are many of your former shipmates that have stepped into very influential roles and are doing an excellent job for the Navy," MCPON said.

MCPON also spoke of the readiness of Constellation and the rest of the Navy.

"I was able to speak with the Commander in Chief, President Bush, a few weeks ago," he said. "He asked me, 'MCPON, are our Sailors ready?' All I had to say was, 'Yes, sir. They're ready.'"

As the CNO, MCPON and Black left the hangar bay, the CNO walked into the throng of Constellation Sailors and Marines, shaking their hands and offering more words of encouragement.

The group of distinguished visitors then proceeded to the ship's aft bomb assembly, where the CNO reenlisted three Connie Sailors: Journalist 2nd Class Chad Pritt, Storekeeper 2nd Class Elias Sanchez and Dental Technician 3rd Class Samuel Maxey.

The group then took tiem to recognize Connie's top performers of 2002.

Aviation Boatswains Mate 1st Class Raymond Maturino was presented with the Sailor of the Year Award. Disbursing Clerk 2nd Class Zamone Bennet was presented the Petty Officer of the Year Award, and Airman John Wilbert was presented the Warrior of the Year Award.

Constellation set sail on her 21st deployment Nov. 2, 2002, and is serving in support of Operations Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom in the Arabian Gulf.