Yes, I read the newspapers. Yes I watch the news. But, to be honest, I had forgotten. So this morning, as I was reading blogs on Active Rain and checking Tweets on Twitter, I was surprised to hear cannon fire. Yes, you read correct, cannon fire. I went to my sliding glass door, opened the blinds and saw smoke rising from the signal guns protruding from just beneath the flight deck of the USS Kittyhawk and was reminded that today is the day that we say thank you to her for her 47 years of service to this nation. Today is the day she is decommissioned in Bremerton, WA.
I feel as though I am spoiled, enjoying views of these magnificent ships from my windows, but to see an aircraft carrier dressed in colors is a rare treat; truly a sight to be seen. She has a line of colorful signal flags reaching from bow to stern and a line of past crew members and their families stretching across the flight deck.
This is then end of an era. The Kittyhawk was the last of the conventional aircraft carriers. She was originally commissioned in 1961 and her home port was San Diego, CA for most of her life. She has been in combat in Vietnam, Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan. She was relieved by the USS George Washington last year before sailing to Bremerton to prepare to be decommissioned.
Those that served on her will miss her. A former crewmember said "A part of me will never forget the wonders of a ship like the Hawk."
Alisha Harrison is a member of "Your Dream Team," dedicated to providing the highest level of customer service to clients, creating customers for life! Helping people buy and sell real estate in Mason, Kitsap and North Pierce Counties. Email me or call today! 360.649.0374
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