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USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) with CVW-8 embarked departed Norfolk, Virginia 8 September 2008, with Captain Ladd Wheeler in command, Rear Adm. Michael Vitale, commander, Carrier Strike Group 2, TRCSG and more then 5,000 Sailors; assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, will transit to the Indian Ocean via a scheduled port call at Cape Town, South Africa, as part of an on-going effort to reinforce relationships, increase interoperability and address maritime issues. She may at some point in the deployment operate with the 5th Fleet on possibly her fifth Arabian Sea/Gulf (Persian Gulf) deployment in support of Security Operations (MSO) on what would be the US Navy’s 90th Arabian Sea and Persian Gulf deployment since September 1945 operating under operational control of the US Naval Forces Central Command and 5th Fleet., the US 5th Fleet, reactivated with operational control of the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Arabian Sea, headquartered in Manama, Bahrain in July 1995, while U.S. Naval Forces Central Command operational control extends to the Indian Ocean following the war with Iraq (Operation Desert Storm), with the Commander, 7th Fleet, serving as naval component commander for Central Command, at the beginning of Operation Southern Watch (commencing 26 August 1992, when President George H. W. Bush announced that the United States and its allies had informed Iraq that in 24 hours Allied aircraft would fly surveillance missions in southern Iraq and were prepared to shoot down any Iraqi aircraft flying south of the 32nd parallel, while President George Bush declared Kuwait had been liberated at 9 p.m. EST 27 February 1992, flight operations ending at midnight), with Operation Desert Storm commencing in the early morning hours of 17 January 1991 until 27 February 1992, when President George Bush declared Kuwait had been liberated and Operation Desert Storm would end at midnight) and Operation Desert Shield commencing 2 August 1990 (Iraqi occupation of Kuwait). The strike group’s ships are prepared to conduct a variety of missions, including forward naval presence, maritime security operations, crisis response, and theater support cooperation. She would under go her tenth Mediterranean Sea deployment (15th voyage) operating with the 6th Fleet if so directed to transit the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea for operations and would be her 15th Suez Canal Suez Canal transit and her eleventh deployment since her commission 25 October 1986 and approximately the US Navy’s 794th carrier Foreign Water Fleet Deployment (FWFD).

TR deploys with embarked Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 2, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 8, and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 22.

“Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group units have completed all requirements for deployment and are prepared to achieve any missions we will be tasked to execute on deployment in support of theater commanders,” said Rear Adm. Frank Pandolfe, Commander, and TR CSG.

The strike group recently completed a Joint Task Force Exercise (JTFEX) , made up of more than 15,000 service members from six countries working together to advance the art of coalition operations, as well as learning to maximize the unique capabilities and strengths of each member of the combined force.

TR Commanding Officer, Capt. Ladd Wheeler, praised his crew for the work they did in preparation for the deployment. He said the ship is ready, the crew is well-trained and everyone is excited to get a chance to implement their training during the deployment.

“We can all take great pride in the men and women we are sending forward to represent our country,” said Wheeler. “They have each worked diligently to ensure that they are properly trained and Theodore Roosevelt is prepared for a variety of missions we may encounter while on deployment.”
http://www.tr.surfor.navy.mil/News%20Storys/news%20story81.htm

Other TRCSG assets include the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61); the guided missile destroyers USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94); the attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761); and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 3). http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=39754

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway in the Atlantic from 8 to 15 September 2008.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway in the Atlantic from 8 September to 3 October 2008.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) anchored off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa on 4 October 2008.

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) visited Cape Town, South Africa from 4 to 6 October 2008.
Ships from the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group (TR CSG), assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, have arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, as part of an on-going effort to reinforce relationships, increase interoperability and address maritime issues.

The aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) anchored off the coast of Cape Town, South Africa, Oct. 4. The cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) is pier side in Cape Town after arriving Oct. 3.

The TR CSG ships are scheduled to host formal visits, regional security cooperative activities, military-to-military exchanges, and participate in a variety of community relations activities. Senior officers from the ships will also conduct office calls with South African government and military leaders to discuss maritime safety and security.

"The South African government has invited us to visit Cape Town, and we are grateful for the opportunity," said Rear Adm. Frank Pandolfe, commander of the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. "We look forward to strengthening the relationship with the South African Navy."

During the port visit, crewmembers will have the chance to enjoy the culture and beauty of Cape Town, participate in a wide variety of community relations projects and tour some of the surrounding areas. In total, more than 4,600 Sailors will visit Cape Town.

"We appreciate the opportunity to be here in Cape Town as representatives of the American people," said Capt. Ladd Wheeler, commanding officer of USS Theodore Roosevelt. "Getting the chance to learn about and interact with different militaries and cultures is an invaluable experience for our Sailors."

The TR visit to Cape Town marks the first time a carrier has visited South Africa in more than 40 years. The last carrier to visit South Africa was USS Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1967.

Sailors aboard TR are looking forward to the new experiences they will get to enjoy during visit to Cape Town.

"I'm really excited to be able to get off the boat and see things I haven't seen before and eat something exotic," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Airman Cherry Ravnell, a member of the V-2 division of TR's air department.

Other Sailors are highly anticipating the opportunities they will have to interact with a different culture and increase their knowledge about another part of the world.

"I'm very fortunate for the opportunity to see different cultures, including the way they live and their customs and traditions. This is my third cruise, but this is definitely something new. It adds another piece to my puzzle of the world, and I'm glad that I've been blessed with the chance to experience it," said Culinary Specialist Second Class John Davis, one of the many chefs that make up S-2 division of TR's supply department.

The Sailors of Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group who are currently visiting Cape Town are grateful for the once-in-a-lifetime experience they are getting during this historic port visit in Cape Town, South Africa. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=40178
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) pulled anchor as it departed Cape Town, South Africa Oct. 7, after its three-day port visit to the area.
This port visit was a historic event as it marked the first time a U.S. aircraft carrier has visited South Africa in 41 years. The last time a carrier visited Cape Town was USS Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1967.

Crew members were provided many opportunities to experience the culture and environment of South Africa. TR's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) organized several tours for the crew including wine tours, an African safari, a tour of Cape Point and hiking Table Mountain.

"A total of 800 Sailors took MWR tours on Monday, Oct. 6, and we have gotten nothing but rave reviews from everyone that went on the trips," said Chief Aviation Electrician's Mate (AW) Bryan Neal, TR's MWR fun chief. "At the end of the day, we were able to accommodate Sailors by giving them the opportunity to see the country."

TR was anchored in the harbor of Table Bay with the dramatic Table Mountain as its backdrop. Table Mountain is considered one of the most recognizable and most visited sites in the region. MWR provided bus rides and tickets to the crew so they could ride the cableway up the mountain and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city.

"The view was breathtaking, and I was totally surprised at how close we were able to get to the edge of the mountain," said Lt. j.g. James Knepp. "It was one of the most enjoyable experiences I had in port."

One of MWR's tours was the Bushman Experience which offered Sailors a chance to visit an ostrich farm as well as the opportunity to visit a local village where tours were provided by a local Bushman who demonstrated their way of life.

"It was crazy to see how other parts of the world live," said Storekeeper Seaman Lacy Frye. "My favorite part was definitely sitting on an ostrich. That is something you do not get to do back home."

Crew members also got the chance to dine on some very unique cuisine while on liberty in Cape Town including warthog, gazelle, crocodile and caribou steaks.

"We were honored to be able to experience the amazing culture of South Africa. This visit to Cape Town was a rare opportunity for our Sailors, one that I know will remain long in the memories of every member of the crew," said Capt. Ladd Wheeler, TR's commanding officer. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=40215
USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) underway in the Indian Ocean from 8 to 10 October 2008, assigned to Commander U.S. 6th Fleet, participated in a one-day theater security cooperation (TSC) exercise with units from the South African and French navies while underway in the Indian Ocean Oct. 9.

The Nimitz class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) (TR) and the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) operated with three South African ships and one French Navy ship in a variety of tactical exercises aimed at increasing coordination and interoperability.

The TSC exercise consisted of tactical communications, coordinated shiphandling maneuvers and an aerial photo shoot of the ships in formation, highlighting the growing interaction between the U.S. and South African navies.

"It was a pleasure working with the South African Navy during this seamanship exercise. Their skills were superb," said Rear Adm. Frank Pandolfe, commander, Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group. "This exercise demonstrates our shared desire for security and stability in the region and is an important step toward strengthening the capabilities needed to achieve those goals."

TR and Monterey were joined by the South African Navy frigate SAS Isandlwana (F146), oiler SAS Drakensburg (A301), patrol boat SAS Isaac Dyobia (P1565), and the French Navy frigate FN Floreal (F730) for the multinational exercise.

This exercise follows TR's historic port visit to Cape Town, marking the first carrier visit to South Africa in more than 40 years. During the port visit, TR and Monterey (CG 61) hosted thousands of visitors, participated in multiple regional security cooperation activities and completed community relations activities.

TRCSG is conducting operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=40261

Fire, Fire!' Every Sailor on board USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) has heard this announcement come across the ship's general announcement system (1MC).

For some, it means there is a fire in a space they have probably never seen. For the at-sea fire party, however, it means much more.

"The at-sea fire party is the ship's rapid response team, basically the ship's fire department," explained Aviation Boatswains Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Troy Barca of TR's damage control support team.

"We are the first line of defense. If we can't handle whatever the casualty is, that is when the ship would go to general quarters."

In the event of a fire on board TR, the at-sea fire party is trained and always ready to respond with careful and necessary steps to combat the fire and ensure the safety of the crew.

"When we respond to a fire on the ship, all of damage control responds," said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Michael Harper of damage control support.

The duty fire marshal, at-sea fire party and two electrician's mates all respond to the casualty. The duty fire marshal will assess the situation and pass the information down to the scene leader. Six boundary men are positioned at the top, bottom, forward, aft, port and starboard sides of the compromised space to ensure no one involved in fighting the fire enters the space.

Once the fire is out, the electrician's mates will inspect the space to ensure there are no toxins in the air and that it is safe for entry. The fire party will then begin to egress from the space.

Though the evolution can be thrilling, the importance and seriousness of the task is not lost on the personnel who fight shipboard fires.

"Being on the at-sea fire party is exhilarating, but at the same time, it worries us too," said Harper. "Anything can happen, especially on a ship. So, it's mixed feelings of being excited to go fight fires but cautious of the idea we might get in over our heads. The best part is the camaraderie between everyone on the team. We all understand that this is never a one-man show."

TR crewmembers may find themselves in the middle of the fire party when a fire is called away. It is crucial to be aware of when a fire is called away on the 1MC and to listen to any instructions a member of the fire party might give.

"Usually, all we ask of a crewmember that might be in the passageway while we are coming through is to make a hole and stand fast so we can get to where we need to be," explained Harper. "There might be a time when one of us might ask someone who is walking by to help with something like setting a boundary to make sure no one comes through, but it is important for the crew to know that none of us would ask them to do anything that would put them in danger."

Each crewmember on board TR can play a role in fire fighting and, more importantly, fire prevention.

"When we are at sea, you can't just dial 911," said Chief Damage Controlman (SW) Patrick Peterson. "The at-sea fire party is the first responder, but everyone is responsible for damage control. Some ways the crew can help keep the ship safe are to smoke only in authorized spaces, maintain their qualifications and take damage control seriously." http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=40260

While the carrier left today, other TR CSG assets, which include the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61); the guided missile destroyers USS Sullivans (DDG 68), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94); the attack submarine USS Springfield (SSN 761); and the fast combat support ship USNS Supply (T-AOE 3), will depart this week.
http://www.tr.surfor.navy.mil/News%20Storys/news%20story81.htm

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Naval Station Norfolk, Va. Official U. S. Navy Web Site – 384A http://www.tr.surfor.navy.mil/default.aspx

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) News - http://www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn71

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Story Archive - http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=42

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Photo Gallery http://www.navsource.org/archives/02/71.htm

Commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet Story Archive http://www.navy.mil/local/story_archive.asp?id=18

Current Aircraft Carrier Location - http://www.gonavy.jp/CVLocation.html
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U. S. Navy Veteran
August 1977 to July 1983

Yoeman Second Class,
with student pilot's license