Email from Boomer

Several of the nicer pictures from "Valiant Shield", the major exercise that was recently held off the coast of Guam.  Three carriers...side by side.  A rare sight.  And overhead a B-2 "Spirit" with Air Force, Marine and Navy fighters in trail.

I like the picture taken from the carrier deck.  The first one you see will probably be the most popular one of all though.   

There are probably some "things" in the area under the sea that are even deadlier.

Onboard one of the carriers are representatives from the Chinese Navy.  Bet they got an eyeful, didn't they?

Click "Continue reading ..." for more pictures and some additional information from Boomer in the comments.

Contributed by Bill Faith on August 15, 2006 at 09:41 PM in Bill Faith, Boomer, US Navy | Permalink

Comments

Posted by: Boomer

You do good work Bill. Excellent website and I hope to be more active with you all soon enough.

The exercise was Valiant Shield 2006 and featured three carrier strike groups. The first time in over 20 years that three carrier strike groups got together like that. Quite the photo op, isn't it?

Held in the Guam operating area June 19-23, the exercise included 28 Naval vessels, including three carrier strike groups and nearly 300 aircraft. Approximately 22,000 service members from the Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard participated in the exercise.

In the picture from left to right the ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72), KITTY HAWK (CV-63, non-nuclear and homeported in Japan) and the RONALD REAGAN (CVN-76).

Posted by: Boomer | Aug 15, 2006 11:58:40 PM

Posted by: Boomer

This might qualify as an Old War Dog story of sorts. There is some interesting history concerning that B-2 in the photo.

The B-2 belongs to the 509th Bomb Wing at Whiteman AFB, MO. This is the unit that flew the Enola Gay and dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima. Of course, knowing our history, it was Colonel Paul Tibbetts who flew the Enola Gay. OK, so far?

Well, the B-2 Squadron Commander (393rd EBS) is none other than Lt. Colonel Paul Tibbetts...grandson of the Enola Gay pilot. Though I haven't read it to be sure, I'd guess that the young Tibbetts is flying that B-2. I'm hoping to run into him in the Base Exchange one of these days so we can have a little chat.

One of my retired boomer friends (Nick) flew on KC-97's years ago. His Flight Engineer was Grandpa Tibbett's Flight Engineer on the Enola Gay and flew with him at Little Rock AFB. His name was Wyatt Duzenbury. Nick said he died a recluse in Georgia a few years ago and the Duzenbury could never get used to the hype over the mission. Considering what they dropped and the results is it any wonder? That is so historical.

Guam is such a busy place these days. Have two B-2's here right now and they are safely nested in their spanking brand new environmentally controlled hangar. It only cost $32 million. Pocket change, ne?

Guam is projected to become much busier since 8,000 Marines and about 11,000 family members will be moving from Okinawa. Some $10 to $15 billion will be spent on construction and related matters to make the move possible. We're talking all complete by 2014 and it gets busy, starting now. Glad I already own my house.

Posted by: Boomer | Aug 16, 2006 12:17:20 AM