George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

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n September 11, 2001, four XL hijacked commercial airliners crashed into American symbols of power, causing havoc and pain across the nation. While volunteers pulled their fellow citizens from mounds of twisted metal. USS George Washington and its crew stood guard outside New York harbor protecting the city against further harm. Nine months later, on June 20.2002, the crew set off on a six-month deployment with the memory of the tragedy they witnessed and left behind a promise to protect a nation and those they love. I think it‘s pretty awesome to see everyone on board this ship, especially with all that's going on right now. said Corky Vance, mother of AN Jeffery Vance of GW's V-2 Arresting Gear Division, who was assigned to the mess decks during the deployment, “I think everytxxly who steps aboard this ship has great courage and we’re just very appreciative and grateful of everybody and we pray for them. Fighter Squadron 103's AM2 James M. Bocolo shared a special experience with his family the day before GVV departed. His father, James H. Bocolo of Staten Island. N.Y.. and a member of Vietnam Veterans of America, presented a New York City flag to GW and the squadron for their efforts during September 11. Along with the flag. Bocolo brought with him a framed photograph Of Ground Zero with a plaque made from a piece of the aircraft that hit the first World Trade Center tower. The plaque was engraved with GW’s name and hull number and a thank you from the citizens of New York. We are very proud. said Bocolo's father. “We have a personal stake in this. My wife lost a cousin and I lost a good friend who was a fireman, and I was at Ground Zero foreight days helping out. It means a lot to us that our JVn, along with the other military members, are protecting us at home and overseas. Bocolo echoed his father’s gratitude. “1 believe that this is a wonderful way to say thank you from the citizens of New York. , • That is a hope shared by many of otVs Sailors. As the ship pulled out from Pier 14 at 11:00 a.m., “I'll Be Home For Christmas” blared from the ship's loudspeakers while Sailors manned the rails in their summer whites. As Norfolk faded away, the tears of sadness were soon replaced by swelling pride and confidence that the Spirit of Freedom would meet and conquer every challenge of the deployment that lay ahead.