FOUNDATION PRESIDENT TOURS USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65)

USS Saratoga Museum Foundation president Frank Lennon (far right, blue shirt) gives a thumbs-up sign from the flight deck of USS Enterprise, CVN-65. The Navy invited Lennon to provide a first-hand, close-up view of current carrier operations which should be helpful in finalizing the application for donation of Saratoga. His comments follow below:

"No matter how many times I walk through the passageways of Saratoga, she's still a dead ship, and no amount of video can compare with the real thing. Standing on that flight deck at night, with an F-14 launching on my right and an F-18 on my left, was truly a memorable experience.

Although I had been briefly aboard Constellation and Intrepid in 1967 in the Tonkin Gulf, those 34 year-old memories have faded. It was great to get the opportunity to renew them!

On that flight deck (especially at night) the teamwork and professionalism were obvious. Those sailors, regardless of age or background, looked responsibility in the eye and grabbed the challenge by the throat. Where else would an 18 or 19 year old be entrusted that way with the lives of others, to say nothing of the multi-millions in equipment? I must really be getting old! Even the CO and XO looked young."

Last Updated:
9/29/01