Today marks the formal conclusion of a vaunted ship’s faithful career. In Traditional Naval Ceremony the crew of USS Enterprise CVN-65 and distinguished guests inactivated the “Big E”. In what began with Carrier Strike Group Commander Rear Admiral Ted Carter’s Flag being lowered from the yardarm and concluded with the crew disembarking the long serving Enterprise was allowed to rest.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zachary S. Welch/Released)
51 years is becoming less and less a significantly long time in the annals of history, however, for an aircraft carrier to serve 51 years not just partaking in ‘History’s Timeline’ but in many cases, making it, is nothing short of miraculous. Enterprise was not simply a Ship of the Fleet, she was the icon represented all that America stands for, Liberty, Freedom, Teamwork, Ingenuity, Technology, Tactics, and Accomplishment, all tolled made up the ship we knew as Enterprise.
(Photo Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Zachary S. Welch/Released)
Many of us in the Navy community watched today as we bid farewell to this historical vessel concerned that this may be the end of an era. The Navy is a service, more than any other, founded on tradition. From flying the Navy Jack to rendering honors as ships pass, our foundation, our keystone is Honor, Courage and Tradition. A ship named Enterprise, with rare exception, has always been in our fleet, and since 1938 that name has applied to the Navy’s most impressive Ship of the Line the Aircraft Carrier. In 1938 the USS Enterprise CV-6 was commissioned and served our country like no other, earning 20 Battle Stars in her WWII service. Establishing the name “Enterprise” forever in our lexicon.
In 1961, the United States commissioned a new Enterprise (CVN-65). She was like no other. She was to represent the latest and greatest technical achievements of the United States of America. Initially, the largest ship in the world (and up to her inactivation today still the longest in the US Fleet) and as we all are aware, the first Nuclear Powered Aircraft Carrier. (It is interesting that because of this propulsion system, Enterprise was not to be “Decommissioned” this day, as she cannot while still “percolating”, rather she was “Inactivated” functionally removing her from the Line.)
For 100s of thousands of sailors who served on her, and 10s of thousands of aviators who flew from her deck, bidding farewell to this great ship was a emotional milestone, regenerating countless memories of adventure, challenge, and honor. Memories of missions, and liberties… of drudgery and pride, and especially of family and shipmates! She will be missed.
(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Scott Pittman/Released)
Many of us in the Navy Community were concerned that with today’s inactivation, there would no longer be an Enterprise. To our great satisfaction our concerns were alleviated today… for along with tributary commentary of CVN-65’s impressive service history, we were informed by none other than the Secretary of the Navy that the name Enterprise would be carried forward! Confirming that the new Ford Class Nuclear Carrier, CVN-80 will indeed be commissioned “USS Enterprise”.
So this day, we bid farewell to a great ship served by great crews “USS Enterprise” (CVN-65) and hail the future of the US Navy, “USS Enterprise” (CVN-80). Boson… Ring the Bell!
This post comes courtesy of the 2011 Honorary Tailhookers of the Year, Kathy and Hans Schmoldt (written by Kathy). Every few years we Colorado Tailhookers gather on the Western Slope of Colorado for the Grand Junction Airshow. But honestly, I think the majority of us are there for “The Cattle Baron’s BBQ” (or ‘barren’ as Kathy puts it, cuz there ain’t no cattle on this ranch!) and Tailhook Party! This past gathering was one of the best, with attendance more focused on Tailhookers and the flight crews who performed at the show that weekend. There will be more stories to tell, besides this one, and I promise to get around to it soon… but for now Kathy owns this writing…
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Because there was so much going on during the weekend of The Grand Junction Air Show, and because there is so much information associated with this particular post, I wanted to spend ample time 'covering this story.'
It spans two generations of heroes. You will want to at least scroll to the last part of this post to make the connection between two of these heroes.
It all began at the banquet on Thursday night when the Hansman [Hans Schmoldt], also known as "Big Gun" by some, met and invited a young man from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166 (VMM-166) to our Cattle "Barren" parties on Friday and Saturday nights.
Well, to our pleasure, THEY!!! showed up. Pretty much the whole Det!
These are just a few of the Sea Elks . . . more to come !
For those of you who want to know more about this group, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 166 (VMM-166), CLICK HERE.
Now, for just a moment, let's visit one of the many static displays at the air show.
One of probably the most dominating displays was the VMM-166’s V-22 Osprey Tilt Rotor Aircraft.
As you can see by the crowd, it was also one of the most popular displays.
Hans and I were lucky enough to be given a personal tour of this magnificent bird . . .
. . . by Captain Eileen "Edna" Donovan. (Remember her name !)
Once we left the Osprey, I snapped these two shots . . .
. . . which do not do the Osprey justice.
Unless you've stood beside this magnificent machine, there is no way to appreciate the enormity of it.
Now, back to the party . . .
The Sea Elks were everywhere and kind enough to pose no less than 50 times with other guests.
Now, back to Captain Donovan . . .
. . . she is a sharp-shooter . . .
. . . a two-stepper . . .
. . . and, she's pretty handy with a bull whip. Unfortunately, I didn't capture that one with my camera, but just believe me, she knew how to use it.
Anytime we host a party, it's always difficult to visit with everyone and hear their stories.
As in this case, Hans and I learned about this story several weeks after the party !
From left: Major Joseph P. "Pat" Donovan USMCR (Vet), 2nd Lt. Eileen C. Donovan, USMCR and Col. William A. "Grease Gun" Beebe, USMC (Ret).
From left: Lt. Donovan's platoon sergeant, GySgt. Holly Ellington, USMC, Joseph P. "Pat" Donovan, 2ndLt. Donovan and her mother, Beba Donovan.
Her mother is acknowledgingthe bars as those formerly owned by Col. Richard L. "Rich" Bianchino, USMC (Ret).
Now, you may be wondering, what's the story ?
Or for those more astute readers, you have already made the connection.
It begins with this photo:
1st Lt. Joseph P. "Pat" Donovan
Jan. 24, 1969 Shoot Down of YK-22
From left: copilot Lt. Pat Donovan, right gunner Cpl. M. S. Opalka, crew chief Cpl. Michael E. Velleux, left gunner Sgt. Dolph Quijano and pilot Lt. Donald Robins.
Photo was taken at a fire base several clicks north of Thong Duc on the western end of Charlie Ridge known as LZ Pike. The hydraulic line being held is the one that was shot out resulting in the loss of both the auxiliary and #2 hydraulic boost systems. The crimp in the line was only the size of a clipped finger nail, but at that amount of pressure the entire aircraft and crew was covered with hydraulic fluid.
The following are three links to Major Donovan's career:
Yes, that young lady who graced us with her presence is carrying-on her father's tradition of serving our great country.
Who knew ?
We were certainly surrounded by many heroes at our parties and are always honored to have them at our house.
This is just ONE of those stories.
I leave you with the words of Colonel Charles J. "Chic" Schoener USMC (Retired)
"Pat Donovan without doubt received more decorations ( in regard to precedence level), as a Purple Fox, than any other Marine who served with HMM-364. Not only that, Pat is probably one of (if not) the most decorated (precedence level) combat Marine pilot to come from the Vietnam era. While few Marines (air/ground) were recognized for their acts of individual heroism with the award of the CMH, the Navy Cross, the Silver Star or the DFC, Pat's multiple awards for his numerous act of heroism, taken in totality, is absolutely historic and should be recognized as such."
Pat Donovan's Humble Answer to Colonel Schoener's Remarks
I accept and hold in trust the praise of my Squadron mates and those Marines whom we helped while under night attack in the mountains north of the Nam O Bridge in Quang Nam (Feb 22), under attack in an open rice paddy northwest of Liberty Bridge in Quang Nam (April 21), engaged in combat with a large North Vietnamese Army force near the village of My Hiep (3) (May 9), under mortar attack on the island near Hoi An (Mar 17), and the lone Lt. with red hair who led the attack off our ramp into a fire fight, the same one we came back for, re-entered the zone and grabbed out of the fire fight near An Hoa (April 28).
By my count on every mission we were a team of pilot, copilot, crew chief, two gunners at each .50 cal, and the Navy Medic, or in the case of Doc Linkous, a Navy Doctor on board, not to overlook the maintenance crew that constantly went without rest to keep the aircraft "up". We were and are a Marine Air-Ground team linked by oath and blood to those on the ground we serve. We all achieved the missions and we all respect the memory of our Squadron mates and Marines on board who paid for the lives of their fellow Marines with their own.
And we all did this under the guidance and inspiration of a gentleman named Gene, whom we roast in song and toast in admiration.
All the best to all Purple Foxes and those we serve.
Semper Fi,
Pat
The Ospreys entertained us with a couple of fly bys the day they flew out of Grand Junction.
The first one went right over the top of our house.
In both videos, objects are much closer than they appear.
The second Osprey headed directly over the house and goes out of sight above The Colorado National Monument.
Please spread the word through your extensive Tailhook network and do join us for this important Colorado Aviation Historical Society gala event being held Sunday, October 16, 2011, from 11AM to 3PM at the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in the historic Lowry community at
7711 East Academy Blvd, Denver CO 80230.
Be inspired by our featured luncheon speaker, Rear Admiral Dennis Wisely, USN (Ret.), the former leader of the Blue Angels, who flew 350 missions in Vietnam, and later commanded the aircraft carrier John F.
Kennedy. Admiral Wisely holds the Silver Star, two DFCs, 29 Air Medals, and the Purple Heart.
Tour the museum. Enjoy the exhibits. F-14 Tomcat & F-4 are just a few examples of aircraft on display. The luncheon/banquet is open to the public. Pre-register and buy your luncheon/event tickets on-line at:
The 2011 Colorado Aviation Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will include seven outstanding Colorado aviation leaders: Michael W.Bertz, Pk.Bonde, Penny Rafferty Hamilton, Norman F. Meyer, Bill Mitchell, D.O. Neary, and John C. Penney.
A mere 10 days from now many of us will be gathering in the warm desert sun of Reno NV for the 2011 Tailhook Reunion and Symposium!
Here is an online reminder of the festivities we are all looking forward to:
2011 Tailhook Convention Schedule
Thursday, 8 September 2011 0830–2100 Tailhook Sales Booth Open 0900–2100 Registration — The Nugget Hotel, Pavilion A Foyer 0900–2100 Exhibits Open, Pavilions A–E 1800–2100 Welcome — Reunion Groups Reception (No Host), Pavilions A–E
Friday, 9 September 2011 0730–1200 ✈ Golf Tournament — Wildcreek G.C., Sparks, Nev., and Hidden Valley C.C. Reno 0800–1330 ✈ Tour of NAS Fallon and Lunch (Limited to the first 90 guests) 0800–1200 ✈ “Bullet” Bob Canepa Memorial Tennis Tournament 0830–2100 Tailhook Sales Booth Open 0830–1330 ✈ Lake Tahoe cruise on board the 85-ft. yacht Paradise with “Mark Twain” as narrator. Includes lunch. (Limited to the first 90 guests) 0900–2100 Registration — The Nugget Hotel, Pavilion A Foyer 0900–1700 Symposium Programs, Rose A Ballroom 0930–1400 ✈ Tahoe Ridge Winery Tour Includes lunch. (Limited to the first 90 guests) 1100–2100 Exhibits Open, Pavilions A–E 1630–1700 Annual Membership Meeting, Rose A Ballroom 1800–2400 ✈ “Bug” Roach Flight-Deck Mixer, Pavilions A–E and Rose A & B Ballrooms
Saturday, 10 September 2011 0530–0900 ✈ Balloon Race Shuttle (Limited to the first 40 guests) 0700–0800 ✈ Tailhook Association 5K Fun Run 0830–1500 Tailhook Sales Booth Open 0830–1500 Registration — The Nugget Hotel, Pavilion A Foyer 0900–1545 Symposium Programs, Rose A Ballroom 0900–1500 Exhibits Open, Pavilions A–E 0930–1100 ✈ Special Event — NMA/USAA/MOAA Spouse Financial Briefing, Celebrity Showroom 1200–1345 ✈ RADM “Jig Dog” and Ginger Ramage Recognition Luncheon, Rose B Ballroom (Seating begins at 1130) 1500 Exhibits Closed 1800–1930 Pre-Banquet Reception (No Host), Rose A and B Foyer and Pavilion A Foyer 1930–2200 ✈ Tailhook Banquet, Semi-Formal, Rose A and B Ballroom (Seating begins at 1900)
Sunday, 11 September 2011 Breakfast is available at the General Store, the Farm House or the Rotisserie on the Nugget’s main floor.
✈ Ticket/Payment Required event. Casual attire for all events except banquet. Flight suits encouraged for flight-deck mixer.
➢ Tailhook is proud to welcome the following reunion groups: Reserves Over Fightertown (VF-301, VF-302, VC/VFC-13), Viking Association/VS-37, VA-304, Prowler Desert Storm Squadrons, Air Task Groups, VF-92, VF-202, VF-24/VF-211, VA/VFA-127, Skyhawk Association and Intruder Association who are holding events in conjunction with the Tailhook Convention. The Thursday evening welcoming reception, open to everyone, will salute these reunion groups. Visit the Tailhook Web site for more information.
➢The Friday evening “Bug” Roach Flight-Deck Mixer will salute 100 Years of Naval Aviation. Flight suits are encouraged. This event includes three hosted drinks, beer, wine, soft drinks or cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres.
Yesterday the Blue Angles announced that they are cancelling their Naval Academy Airshow scheduled for May 24th and 25th.
In a press release issued by Lt. Katie Kelly, the Blue Angles PAO, it was announced,
“This cancellation is due to a safety stand down period imposed by the team’s commanding officer after a lower-than-normal maneuver that took place during the team’s last performance at Lynchburg Regional Air Show, May 22 in Lynchburg, Va. Following this low maneuver all aircraft landed safely without damage or injury to personnel.”
The maneuver in question appears to have been in the Diamond’s execution of the “Diamond Barrel Roll Break”. As can be seen in the video below (around the 24 minute mark) the maneuver appears to end up lower that is stipulated for safe execution at which point the Blues are seen executing a “Safe” departure from the maneuver with Blue Angles 2 and 3 (Lieutenant Commander Jim Tomaszeski and Major Brent Stevens respectively) initiating climbing separation turns once things got ‘sporty’. The “Boss’ Cdr. Dave Koss and Slot pilot Lt Rob Kurrle, exited the maneuver in a continuing flat pass to show left.
It is uncertain as to when the “Knock it Off” call came, but it is reported that in short order the Squadron formed into their famous Delta and immediately concluded the Sunday Show.
Click this link to see how the maneuver is usually executed [Link]
Fortunately no crews or spectators were harmed in this event.
As of this writing it is not yet determined if the Blues will be performing the customary fly-over the actual Naval Academy Graduation.
If you find yourself in the San Diego area (Specifically NAS North Island) this weekend you will have much to see, hear and experience. Thousands of visitors will gather at the Birthplace of Naval Aviation to begin in earnest what promises to be a year long celebration of that which makes the Wings of Gold special.
Direct from the Centennial of Naval Aviation Staff:
The Centennial of Naval Aviation commemorations begin this week at NAS North Island. Events include Naval Aviation Film Screening: Hollywood & North Island; 5K Beach Run; Centennial of Naval Aviation Golf Tournament; Centennial of Naval Aviation Kick-Off VIP Reception; 100th Anniversary Parade of Flight and North Island Open House; Centennial of Naval Aviation Kick-Off Gala; and, many community celebrations. For more information, please visit: http://mwrtoday.com/cona/calendar/.
And this month’s Centennial News Letter can be found here: [Link]
Also… this little gem from local San Diego Television Station KUSI, including a brief interview with Capt. Richard “Lieutenant” Dann (funny in a Forest Gump kinda way) about the history of this weekend’s activities.
Your Humble Scribe cannot be at this year’s Tailhook Symposium and reunion in Reno, but not to fear! I have recruited a couple of stalwarts in the Tailhook Community to help me out, Hans and Kathy Schmoldt!
I just received a couple of “Images from the Front Lines” that I am glad to pass on to our faithful readers. (Fair warning many of these images and comments are being transmitted direct from Han’s iPhone thus the details surrounding them are limited at best.)
Below is the award presented to NFO of the Year LCDR David Rueter (and I assume Hizzoner himself). Lemme guess, call sign “Roto”?
Hans then pinged me with another quick brief regarding the awarding of the most “Straight Deck” landings (440) to Diz Laird pictured here with Hans. Diz Laird has the singular distinction of having shot down not only Japanese but German aircraft in WW II.
Additionally Hans forwarded a few of our resident Colorado Ready Room Members Bad Bart, and Spook!
Also included on the recon dump are images of Bartlesville's Silver Star recipient Bru and his two employees.
Thank you Hans and Kathy!!!
Keep those images and stories coming in! And if you too wish to contribute please forward your tales and images directly to me at carmichaelj@comcast.net
This past Friday, many supporters of the Intruder community gathered on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum under a blue San Diego sky to dedicate the A-6 on board in the name of a very special flight crew.
37 years ago on a Mid-January evening, VA-115 “Arabs” aircrew Lt. Mike “Mondo” McCormick and Ltjg. Alan “Arlo” Clark, were catapulted from the very same USS Midway, flying “Arab 511” and were soon “Feet Dry” over the coast of Vietnam. They were on a SAM and Radar Suppression mission in support of B-52’s on a Linebacker II operation, they were never to return.
Lt. Mike “Mondo” McCormickLtjg. R. Alan “Arlo” Clark
That night Mike and Alan would become the last Intruder Crew to make the ultimate sacrifice in that long war.
On Friday, Mike and Alan’s fellow “Arabs” from VA-115, family members, others from the Intruder Community, active duty Navy, and Naval Aviation supporters all gathered in front of “Arab 511” to dedicate this Aircraft in the name of Mike McCormick and Alan Clark, to represent all Intruder crews who served and all who will be “forever young.”
President of the Intruder Association, Capt. Larry Yarham USN(Ret) presided over the dedication, with comments by USS Midway Museum President RADM John “Mac” McLaughlin USN(Ret), the former CO of VA-115 Capt. Paul Barrish USN(Ret), Mike’s Sister Jaime, and Alan’s son, Lt. Col (select) Tad Clark USAF.
It was Tad’s remarks that really hit home…
One final trap. . .
Just over 6 years ago, many of us gathered in the Arlington National Cemetery on a cold, snowy, January day in Washington DC, to honor two men who gave their lives in the service to their country. On that day, we faced their casket and saw the thousands of tombstones precisely lined up in countless rows behind it. To our back, however, was a remarkable thing. It was an open plot of land unmarked by the granite reminders of those fallen. Today, I’m sad to report, that section of land looks quite different. I share that with you as it serves as a reminder that our nation is still active in our national security and interests abroad to include the liberation of those subjected to oppressive rule. That commitment requires us to send those who are willing and able to serve, even if it means placing them in harm’s way.
That is the spirit of patriotism, heroism, and selflessness we remember today as we honor LT Mike “Mondo” McCormick and LTJG Alan “Arlo” Clark. On 10 January 1973, “Mondo” and “Arlo” were catapulted from the bow of this very carrier, the USS Midway. While reporting “Feet Dry”, their mission would all too soon be short one “Feet Wet”. And so, the many long years of wondering and mourning began. Their names were placed on the Vietnam War Memorial, the wall, as our nation recognized they were “Gone But Not Forgotten”.
When “Mondo” and my father were laid to rest in Arlington 31 years later to the day, then began for many the closure and healing process concerning their sacrifice. That was certainly a significant day for all of us. But today is significant too as this A-6, in a sense, represents “Mondo’s” and “Arlo’s” determination and resolve to wrestle their battle torn Intruder back aboard the deck of the USS Midway for one final trap.
As their names on the wall and on their tombstone in Arlington provide time for reflection, respect, and remembrance. . .their names on this combat proven A-6 Intruder celebrate the lives of two great warriors, their heroism, will retell their story for countless years to the millions of visitors aboard the Midway, and will remind us of where they loved to be, in the cockpit soaring in the skies above.
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