Sunday, April 22, 2001

Story and photos by Donovan Brooks, Guam bureau chief

Seaman Alaina Ilko and the other members of the Commander in Chief Pacific Fleet band played at Friday's reception aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. USS Kitty Hawk seamen Douglas Reece, Alejandro Suarez, Airman Joseph Killick and Petty Officer 3rd Class Joeseph Kim prepare to serve about 400 guests aboard the carrier. USS Kitty Hawk battle group shore patrol members get a briefing Friday evening from Cmdr. Rich Farrell, far right, and a Guam-based Navy security officer before heading out into the island's hotel row. The Kitty Hawk and USS Vincennes tied up in Apra Harbor on Friday morning, bringing about 6,000 sailors to the island.

PITI — The USS Kitty Hawk will soon be 40 and is in the best shape of its life, sailors said Friday.

About 400 guests attended an early birthday reception inside the cavernous hangar deck while the carrier was docked in Apra Harbor. The guests and Kitty Hawk crewmembers praised the carrier’s technology and spirit.

"We have to most up-to-date equipment on board. We don’t lack for anything when it comes to new equipment," commanding officer Capt. Allen Meyers said.

Chief Petty Officer William Rose said the crew’s positive attitude is as important as any technology. "It’s not so much the ship as the people on board," said Rose, a sailor for 22 years.

"I think it’s impressive for (Kitty Hawk) to be as updated as it is. I can appreciate the modernization it takes to keep it running," said Air Force Lt. Col. Bill Breen, a reception guest.

The 1,065-foot-long ship was commissioned April 29, 1961, and is the oldest active ship in the Navy.

Petty Officer 1st Class Larry Fulgencio said the galley crew began cooking at 5 a.m. to prepare 12 beef roasts and 12 hams, mini-quiches, egg rolls, meatballs and fruit and meat platters. Servers dressed up in colorful printed shirts.

"We just got done," Fulgencio said as guests filled the hangar deck. "Everything should be fresh and hot when we serve it. That’s the way it’s supposed to be."

Rather than looking for a job on a newer ship, Master Chief Petty Officer Todd Thom said he wants to pass on as much of his knowledge as he can, and he has a lot of opportunity surrounded by 5,000 junior sailors.

"I’m not looking for an easy ride," he said.

"This is a floating city. There’s nothing we can’t accomplish if we work together."

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