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Posted by Di Buono
on January 30, 2009, 17:06:30, in reply to "Re: Memories Jouett/ 1980-1984"
71.183.173.92
Another highlight from my time on the Jouett was when we did a pass in review for President Regan. Marine One flew him out to the carrier USS Constellation near his ranch off the coast of Santa Barbara. I was doing temporary mess cranking duties between the ward room and the night cook who baked fresh goods(MS2 Forsberg). I think he was an army vet who joined the Navy. He taught me how to make "Bear claws". Because I was working at night, I slept through the rehearsal the day before and I didn't have a place to man the rail. The next day I got up early and put on my dress whites then went topside to grab a spot, but they wouldn't let me because I wasn't at rehearsal the day before. I made my way up to the signal bridge as we approached the Connie and had a chance to look through the big eyes just as Marine One was landing on the flight deck and all the reporters and media were gathering in a large pack.As the door to the Presidents helo was opening I could see the marine honor guard pop hand salute. I was even calling a play by play for the others as I watched. Just as Regan was stepping out of the helocopter, some senior chief told me to clear from the signal bridge. I realized that if I didn't find a place on the rail soon, I would miss the whole show. The only place left to go was the Bridge. I remember opening to interior door near CIC on to the bridge and what I saw truly amazed me. At first I tried to just blend in with the watch but that was impossible because the XO, Cmdr. Messina, saw me. He came up to me and asked what I was doing on the bridge? When I explained that there was no place for me on the rail, I expected him to tell me to go below deck. To my astonishment, he looked me over and told me I could stay on the bridge as long as I was quiet and stayed out of the way. What I saw after was right out of a recruiting commercial. The coolest display of F-14 Tomcats breaking the sound barrier(awesome), numerous fly bys from all kinds of aircraft, and a precision turn by all three ships as we passed in review. I still remember the admiral on the bridge yelling, "execute" at the right moment. I also remember hearing the pilot chatter through the squak box as they affirmed their call signs and gave a big "roger that" for the President. When we came back to port the command was so pleased that the next two days we all had off.
Does anyone remember that??
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