USS Nimitz Arrives In San Francisco

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jacquelyn Childs, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

SAN FRANCISCO (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) arrived in San Francisco May 27 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Sailors on board Nimitz set sail May 24 along with family members and friends as part of a Tiger Cruise which allowed the guests to experience life at sea.

During the Tiger Cruise, guests were treated to numerous ship-wide evolutions including a flight deck and a lifeboat demonstration.

Additionally the ship's supply department and Morale Welfare and Recreation program treated the Tigers to a steel beach picnic and an array of activities in the hangar bays.

The skies cleared Sunday allowing the Tigers, and residents of San Francisco, an awe-inspiring view of Nimitz as the ship passed under the Golden Gate Bridge.

"I'm excited," said Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Tracy Cales. "I think having an aircraft carrier coming through the bay shows the safe operation and how we're trusted. Also, having my parents here is just awesome."

Members of Nimitz' Deck Department conducted a safe anchoring evolution concluding the transit into San Francisco Bay. The embarked guests agreed: arriving with the ship was a unique opportunity for the Tigers to be able to share the experience with the crew.

"I really enjoyed it," said Dennis Cales, Tracy's father. "I feel like it's a great opportunity to come down here with the carrier since carriers don't arrive in San Francisco every day."

While the ship was underway, Tigers had the opportunity to see Sailors performing their every day duties.

"They've been able to see what I do with my every day work," said Tracy. "Now when I call home and start talking to them about certain things they will have a better understanding."

Family members of the crew were grateful for the opportunity to set sail with the ship and experience the Navy life.

"It was great," said Brenda Cales, Tracy's mother. "I really enjoyed getting to spend time with Tracy and getting to see what her everyday life is like out here. This was a great opportunity and we probably would've come along no matter what the destination of the cruise was."

Before leaving for Tiger Cruise, Nimitz recently arrived to its homeport of Naval Station Everett, Wash., May 16 after successfully completing carrier qualifications including flight deck certification.