Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 11 text:

Below are some quotes by Carl Vinson: Once you start to plow a row, plow it straight and hard to the end of the line. No person representing the American people should ever place the defense of this nation below any other priority. The most expensive thing in the world is a cheap army and navy. History has clearly shown that weakness in- vites attacks. 1 will have to leave it to others to sell the idea that we can rise by falling, that we can advance by retreating, that we can achieve strength through weakness.

Page 10 text:

CAEL ¥1 ©M AT LAUNCHING 15 MARCH 1980 On March 15, 1980, Carl Vinson became the first living American to have a Navy ship named in his honor, when the aircraft carrier U.S.S. CARL VINSON was launched at Newport News, Virginia.

Page 12 text:

' T©IRY= USi eAEIL¥IIMSOK America is strong, but she is in danger of becoming weak, Rep Vinson said when the keel of the ship bear- ing his name was laid on October 11, 1975. This great aircraft carrier will add strength. But it must not stop here . . . Only with determination on the part of our people to remain militarily strong, will we survive. So began the history of America ' s newest aircraft carrier, the third in a class of warships considered to be the world ' s mightiest. When the CARL VINSON was christened by the congressman ' s nurse and long-time friend, Molly Snead, on March 15, 1980, Mr Vinson was present, mak- ing him the first U.S. citizen to see the launching of a Navy ship named in his honor. It is impossible for me to find words to express my gratitude for the high honor paid me here today, he said. No event in my life, no event in my future, can ever equal this day. My cup runneth over. My star has reached its zenith.