Family & Friends Day Abroad a U.S. Naval Aircraft Carrier

[ascorbate]

I recently learned of Family & Friends Day cruises which are conducted for civilians abroad a U.S. Naval aircraft carrier.

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa4442/is_/ai_n17180269

I was wondering if anyone would have any contacts in Norfolk, VA as I would like to plan this as an Aerospace Education activity for the cadets in my squadron? Any info would be greatly appreciated!

[jimmydeanno]

I went on one of these while I was DCC at Langley Composite Squadron.  A friend of ours was/is an E-8 in the Navy and was stationed aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, "The Big Stick."  Each person stationed aboard the ship was permitted to bring a limited number of people, we couldn't get our entire CAP squadron in on it.

They took us on a tour of the ship, there was entertainment and we got to eat in the Chief's mess (great food BTW.)  They took us a few miles out to sea and we all piled out onto the flight deck for a mini-airshow.  There were a few F-14s and a F-18.  They demonstrated some dog fighting maneuvers and went super-sonic a few times.  It was a great day and we had a lot of fun.

I hope you can get your squadron to participate, that would be fantastic.

 

[dbarbee]

The Navy has been doing dependents cruises for years. I went on them as a kid in the late 60's when my Dad was in, and my family and friends went on them with me when I was in during the late 80's. We'd usually go out and circle Catalina Island while giving ship tours and weapons demo's.

They also had a Tiger Cruise when returning from deployment that let friends & family ride the ship back from Hawaii.

Dependents Cruises & Tiger Cruises were only available to friends and family of crewmembers, as far as I know it's still that way.

Some bases designate a ship for monthly in-port tours for the public though, you might check into that.

[ascorbate]

I'm still holding out hope that somebody (in this forum) knows somebody who knows something that could facilitate this proposed cadet activity in Norfolk, VA. It's just a matter of finding that individual.

So thanx for those who have provided input thus far!

[dbarbee]

Here's some information on base tours. There are phone numbers at he bottom of the page that may be able to give you information (If any) about ship tours.

https://www.cnic.navy.mil/NorfolkSTA/Programs/FleetFamilySupportProgram/ShipBaseTours/index.htm