Norfolk Navy Base Invites Public on Ships for 1st Time Since 9/11

When my children were young one weekend activity they enjoyed - as did I - was going aboard the "open houses" on Navy ships on the weekend. Each weekend several ships would have open houses with limited tours of the vessels. It was a learning experience and was a way for those not in military families to better understand both the various types of vessels and to connect with military personnel in their work settings. 9/11 ended all such visits until now. As the Virginian Pilot reports, open houses have returned even if not on the basis of the past. One complaint over the last decade of wars instigated by Chimperator Bush and Emperor Palpatine Cheney is that most civilians are totally untouched in any direct way by the ongoing cost in treasure and human capital. Hopefully, these visits will help to open some eyes and help people to realize that we need to stop the carnage and waste of the nations in the rat hole that is Afghanistan:

It was the first time since before 9/11 that the public was invited to board a ship at the base. Prior to the terrorist attacks 10 years ago, civilians were routinely invited to tour warships.

"It was a different world back then," said Capt. Mary M. Jackson, commanding officer of the naval station. "We think differently now."

Jackson said Fleet Fest is an effort to "open the fence" and give the community an idea of what happens on the installation. The festival, part of Fleet Week Hampton Roads, included live music, a classic car show and tours of the amphibious transport dock San Antonio. The aircraft carrier [Dwight D. Eisenhower]was the day's top draw.

Visitors crossed a security checkpoint and waited in line for upward of an hour to board the nuclear flattop in groups of 100. Sailors led them on a tour of the ship's hangar bay and flight deck.

And yes, some of those sailors one sees are rather cute! :)