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| The Centennial Cellebrationof the Great White fleet |
The Centennial Celebration of the Great White Fleet has gotten off to a great start. It started with a resolution in the House of Representatives put forward by Senators James Webb, John Warner, and Thelma Drake recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the Navy's Great White Fleet. The resolution goes on to describe the contribution the Fleet had on our Navy and announces the formal ceremony for the celebration onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) on December 15, 2008. To download a copy of this resolution select here. |
| Events of 2008 |
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A CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER The events of Saturday evening to mark the centennial of the Great White Fleet’s departure from Hampton Roads were bigger and more elaborate than could have been anticipated before our attending. Things kicked off at 6:00 in the evening onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) in the hangar deck with over 500 people. |
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As the guest arrived we were able to walk around and take in the various information boards that presented the Secretary Winter’s message “Reflect on the Past, Focus on the Future” which was continually emphasized with images of then and now. The brochure that was available during the evening 100 Years of Global Partnerships and Security – Theodore Roosevelt’s Great White Fleet. Without going into detail, his message emphasizes three basic points: Peace through Strength, A Tradition of Partnership, and Commitment to Defending our Nation. To download a copy of this brochure select here. The speakers for the evening went off without a hitch, starting with our “President” Theodore Roosevelt, an introduction by the Chief of Naval Operations, ADM Roughead, and the guest speaker Secretary Winter. |
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Events were supported by the Navy Band, a presentation the Colors, and an F-18 just to the left of the speakers. Quite Impressive!! In addition to the flag the Navy has also produced banners for the celebration and a commemorative coin that can be seen to the left. These were presented at guests left the quarterdeck at the end of the evening. |
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Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Around the World cruise of the Great White Fleet, the Battleship New Jersey, located at the Camden Waterfront has an exhibit of the cruise. |
GREAT WHITE FLEET EXHIBIT SAILS ARTIFACTS, PHOTOS AND MODELS OF THE FLEET DATE: Opens to the public, Friday, Feb. 15th at 10 am DETAILS: The Battleship New Jersey will open a temporary exhibit to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the around the world sail of the Great White Fleet. The Fleet’s trip was a result of an order from then-President Theodore Roosevelt’s to sail throughout the globe to display the United State’s Naval might. Among the ships that sailed in the Fleet was the original USS New Jersey (BB-16). This display, which will be available for guests to experience in the Battleship’s “Museum Area” on the Main Deck, will be open through February 2009. Artifacts include postcards from Great White Fleet sailors from numerous points-of-call, photos of the many ships and various ports, and models. The Battleship New Jersey Museum and Memorial, located on the Camden Waterfront, offers individuals and group tours from 10 am to 3 pm Friday through Monday throughout February. Beginning March 1st, the Battleship will open daily from 9:30 am to 3 pm. The Battleship also offers overnight encampments for families and youth groups. Guests spending the night get dinner and breakfast served from the chow line, a tour of the ship, a ride on the 4D Flight Simulator and the opportunity to sleep in the bunks that the crew of the USS New Jersey. Ask about our Dietz & Watson “Rations” lunch program or one of our combo tour packages, including the Fish N Ship tour, which offers a special combination deal with the Adventure Aquarium. For more information, call 856-966-1652 or visit the Battleship at www.battleshipnewjersey.org. |
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Bill@GreatWhiteFleet.info