Rain-Soaked Start To Fleet Week On Intrepid Deck
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As imposing ships cruised through New York Harbor yesterday for the 18th annual Fleet Week celebration of the Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps, three former crew members of the U.S.S. Intrepid argued on the fantail of the aircraft carrier-turned-museum about whether there used to be 40-mm or 5-inch guns situated where they were standing.
They quickly dismissed the debate as they spied a distinctive gesture of respect from the crew of the U.S.S. Shreveport out on the Hudson River.
Ignoring the 17-knot winds and whipping rain, sailors stood unmoving on the deck in a rigid salute to the legendary Intrepid, where a reception was taking place with foreign dignitaries, city officials, and representatives of the different branches of the armed forces.
“I remember coming up from Norfolk in 1961,” a former Intrepid sailor, Michael Hallahan, said. “It was still dark – we were 30 miles away – but I saw the Statue of Liberty all glowing.”
The former crew members fondly remembered the trips to New York City when they were young seamen on liberty. Frank Doria, who helped tend the ship’s engine during World War II, said the trip was always a much-needed chance to relax in a great city. Looking at the rigid seamen on the Shreveport, he said, “In about two hours they’ll be in the closest gin mill they can get to.”
Several hours later, 6,000 sailors poured out of the ships for a week on the town.
Asked whether he would be meeting the 2 a.m. optional curfew for crew members returning to the U.S.S. John F. Kennedy, a petty officer second class from Florida, Stephen Laiacona, said with a smile, “Depends on who I meet.” He said he returned stateside in December after six and a half months serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Sailors from Pakistan, however, seemed to be staying close to their ship, the P.N.S. Tippu Sultan, for at least the first part of the day.
Before arriving, the crew of 800 received an introduction to New York City life from the American ambassador to Pakistan, who warned of the risk of robbery and informed them of the difference between a yellow and a black cab, among other subjects, crew members said.
