Uncertainty aboard Kennedy
Times-Union photographer Jon Fletcher and I hadn’t been aboard the USS John F. Kennedy more than a couple minutes early this morning when the ship’s media officer, Lt. Cmdr. Dan Doolittle, pictured right, asked us this question: “You heard about the change in schedule?”
Uh, no.
Yep. Instead of arriving at Mayport Naval Station on Thursday, the retiring warship will “most likely” be getting back to Jacksonville on Monday, Doolittle said.
Then around 11 a.m. we were told the ship is not leaving port at all today, putting in doubt whether we can even make it back by Monday. The captain is supposed to be making an announcement soon.
The more than dozen other riders, mostly Navy Leaguers and a couple journalists from the Navy Times, took the news in stride. One retiree said he might have to disembark today and skip the trip. Fletcher and I looked at each other, knowing we'll be making more phone calls back to the paper and to family and friends about the delays.
The overall reasons are understandable. The three aircraft on board – two F-18 Hornets and an S-3B Viking borrowed for public tours on Saturday and Sunday – have to be offloaded at the sprawling Navy base in Norfolk. Sounds easy enough, but tides and other ship deployments and returns mean that no one can really say exactly when we will put into Norfolk or leave Norfolk. But we still don't know why we won't be leaving Boston today.
I was OK with all this until I had this thought: Duuuuude, I’m supposed to run the Gate River Run on Saturday! This would have been my third consecutive running of the race. I was even going to train for it while aboard ship. Oh well, as excuses go I guess you really can’t beat this one.
Jeff
posted by Jeff at
10:59 AM
5 Comments:
This is upseting to those of us who have loved ones aboard. We miss them and are ready for them to come home but we understand it is the way of the navy.
I spoke to my cousin who is aboard the ship and according to him the ship is remaining for one more day in Boston to refuel because the captain did not refuel enough in Norfolk. He also says they will not have to stop in Norfolk because the planes will be flying themselves back to Norfolk.
I know that some sailors are frustrated too. I can tell that many are ready to get home, and several have new duty stations and ships to report to soon. But the crew is apparently being kept busy so as not to have too much time to dwell on the delays. You don't see anyone just sitting around; sailors are moving about busily preparing for the ship's upcoming decommissioning. As for the aircraft flying themselves home, that is entirely possible if they offload them at Mayport. Your cousin probably knows way more about that than I do.
Jeff,
I was extemely suprised when a friend emailed my about the Kennedy this morning.I love "all" the pictures that you have done. I was truely suprised and excited to see of all people on the ship my husband. I have to tell you I don't know what you did, but a smile and his eyes wide open good on your photographer. Sure wish I could get a copy of that so I can crop it. It is good to know that the capt. and the crew on Kennedy are playing things smart. The weekend would be good as I can greet the ship for the first time. Thanks again for the updates.
Jean
Jean -- hi. I took the photo with my cell phone camera, and would be glad to e-mail it to you after I get back. Send an e-mail to jeff.brumley@jacksonville.com. BTW I just spoke to your husband a little while ago and he's doing great, tho he's not too thrilled with the weather. ;-)
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