Governor Palin visits USS Stennis

  • Published
  • By Army Sgt. Ricardo Branch
  • Northern Edge 2009 Joint Information Bureau
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin made a surprise visit to Sailors and personnel onboard the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) on Monday during the military joint-training exercise Northern Edge 2009. 

The invitation came as a surprise for the governor, who jumped at the opportunity to visit U.S. service members and learn more about U.S. Navy operations. 

"This is such an honor to be here," Palin said. "It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for my husband Todd and I to see an aircraft carrier in action, and see what its crew does to keep America safe." 

During the visit, Palin toured the ship's facilities to include; flight deck takeoffs and landings, bridge operations, a tour of the hangar bay, and a meet and greet with Alaskan constituents. 

"I'm enjoying this opportunity to meet the men and women of the ship," she said. "It's a chance to meet the people who have chosen to serve something greater and larger than themselves and a good time to say thank you." 

The Stennis, which is in the Gulf of Alaska, is supporting Alaska's premier joint services exercise with fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft operations. 

Rear Adm. Mark A. Vance, commander of the Carrier Strike Group Three (CCSG) 3, said any visit from a high profile official is a real honor for the personnel onboard the ship. 

"It's not every day a governor comes onboard," Vance said. "We tell our Sailors thank you every day, but when it comes from someone like Governor Palin, it makes it all the more special." 

He said the visit comes at a time when the Stennis has been at sea for five months in various exercises before coming up north to Alaska in support of Northern Edge. 

"This is a huge deal for them," Vance said. "This visit is icing on the cake after a five month cruise at sea." 

Throughout her visit on the ship, Palin was asked what part of the ship excited her the most. Her reply was simple--the people. 

"Meeting the men and women really touched my heart," she said. "Just shaking their hands and meeting them is a real honor. I have a great appreciation for the military and everyone out here. When just looking at many of the young men here, I see my son. He's serving in the military and just like everyone here, has the same drive and dedication in protecting those he loves." 

Governor Palin's 20-year-old son, Track, is currently serving in Iraq as a member of the U.S. Army. 

The Stennis will be wrapping up Northern Edge operations this week and returning to its home station for some much needed time off for the Sailors and personnel onboard the vessel.