lc_story69.xml

lc_story69.xml

born-digital

story

yes

no

2003-12-14

I was a nuclear electrician's mate on the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). In early September, the ship was scheduled to be degaussed, a regularly scheduled procedure to reduce the magnetic signature and regulate the ship's compasses. The procedure was cancelled, and the brass decided to use the sea time to run reactor drills from Sept. 9-13. The ship went to sea with no ammunition, no airwing, and no aircraft; They were not needed for the drills. The morning of the 11th, I was just going off watch in the reactor plant, and decided to check the maintenance schedule in the office. As I opened the door, there was complete silence. The first plane had just hit, and the t.v. just happened to be on cnn. It seemed unreal, and as I stared, the second plane hit. Emotions ran through me in waves, starting with disbelief, then sadness, and finally settling on rage. I was somewhat relieved when the order was given to set sail to NY. The GW made turns for high speed, slowing down only momentarily to onload ammunition, and peices of airwing 6 from the USS John F. Kennedy. We arrived early in the morning on the 12th, and as dawn rose, the George Washington was just outside the harbor. An airborne blanket of F/A 18's, F-14's, and Seahawk helicopters provided what little relief we could offer. I rose early from an uneasy sleep to look at the sight from the relative safety of the hangar bay. The skyline was covered by an obscuring cloud of smoke. The GW provided air security in the area for the next 19 days.

Watching the second plane hit on live tv.

It's obvious when you walk into an airport. People are no longer allowed to accompany loved ones to their gate, or meet them as they get off the plane. X-rays and metal detectors are everywhere. Heightened security is a must theese days. But the terrorists failed to learn from other's mistakes. The U.S. lies down for nobody, and we'll fight back with every resource possible. Personally, I will continue to live my life the way I want to. I feel if my lifestyle or opinions change due to 9/11, the terrorists have accomplished their goal.