Our new Photo of the Month for 2005 was submitted by Steve Yankowy (SM3 1974-77).
Our newest nuclear aircraft carrier, the USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN-76), is named for our 40th US President. This carrier accurately illustrates President Reagan’s motto, “Peace Through Strength.” She displaces more than 100,000 tons, is 1092 feet long, is home to more than 6,000 navy personnel, and caries 80 combat aircraft.
On 22 January 2005, staff members of the USS Arizona Memorial gave seven USS REAGAN sailors a rare opportunity when they opened the memorial early, allowing them to reenlist at the historical site. The memorial normally isn’t open for ceremonies on weekends, but the staff made an exception for these sailors. The memorial staff went above and beyond their normal duties, which meant a great deal to these men and women.
Four of the seven reenlistees brought their own U.S. flags to the ceremony. They were allowed to hoist them over the memorial in honor of the Arizona Sailors who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Dec. 7, 1941. “Raising the flag over the memorial is going to be my best memory; it was a huge honor,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate, Equipment 2nd Class Antoine Oliver, Air Department. “I’m sending my flag back to my parents’ house where it will sit next to my reenlistment certificate.”
According to Chief Information Technician (SW) Christopher Culp, Combat Systems Department, the sense of honor and duty to the memory of USS Arizona Sailors was felt by everyone. “The attack on Pearl Harbor was one of the most important moments in our nation’s and Navy’s history,” said Culp. “Reenlisting at the memorial was special because we were continuing service to our country at a place where more than 1,100 Sailors gave the ultimate sacrifice.”