Foregone conclusion
Timing is everything my detailer (career manager) once told me:
NEWPORT NEWS — The newest aircraft carrier now being designed at Northrop Grumman Newport News will bear the name of former President Gerald R. Ford.
Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld let the news slip Wednesday during his eulogy at Ford’s memorial service in Grand Rapids, Mich., when he spoke of giving the former president a souvenir last year.
“Without giving away any secrets, I can report that during (a) visit with President Ford, I brought him a cap with ‘USS Gerald R. Ford’ emblazoned across the top of it,” Rumsfeld told the crowd. “How fitting it will be that the name Gerald R. Ford will patrol the high seas for decades to come in the defense of the nation he loved so much.”
Navy officials, who had kept the name of the newest flattop a closely guarded secret in recent months, were caught off guard and left scrambling by Rumsfeld’s sudden revelation. Later in the day, the Navy confirmed that the ship would indeed be named the USS Gerald R. Ford. The announcement had not been expected until Jan. 16.
Because the new carrier is a first-in-class ship, the Ford name will be associated with carriers for decades to come – even long after the ship is retired. Just as the nine ships following the USS Nimitz are known as “Nimitz-class” carriers, the new batch of what could be 10 ships will carry the “Ford-class” designation.
Gerald Ford was not loved by the political and chattering classes half so well in life as he has been in death. Didn’t seem like he missed it, much – he was bigger than they were, in many ways.
Rest in peace, Mr. President. Not like it bothered you, but I’ll go in search of other windmills to tilt against.
I still agree with your original thought on ship naming. The historical names deserve to be considered, and when more ships in the new class are built, proudly put to use.
Cap’n,
While I tend to agree with the use of historic names (DALE & YORKTOWN come to mind), I would prefer the new class be named for the late, lamented Ronald Reagan.
James E. Carter has a submarine named for him which is significant, boats deliberately go below the waves. I believe Mr. Carter did that some time ago and has yet to surface.
I would wager that Jimmuh has “Hull Envy”.
Still, I agree with the Peanut Gallery, historic names would be best. Bonnie Dick and Shangri-La should be on the seas, again!
Here is another proud Carrier name: Franklin.
Amen for the Franklin.
USS Franklin would have been a better name.
On March 19, 1945, the USS Franklin was attacked – a fierce attack which almost sank the ship. 3 Sailors including Father O’Callahan received Congressional Medals of Honor for their actions that day.
I guess USS Sponge was out of the question…
Isn’t it funny how our politicals look back with their rose colored glasses and conveniently forget what they said of our past Presidents? I for one was only 11 or so when he pardoned Mr.Nixon, but, I do remember my Mother being very happy for that, and that was enough for me, the man was golden as far as my 11 year old psyche was concerned…
Skipper, you’re right (as ususal…) Mr. Ford WAS above, and better than many for it. Consider me a proud member of the Sancho Panza Division in your Quixotic quest for windmills.
We all know the time is coming, so let me get my vote in early:
Name an Oiler “USS Bill Clinton” (unless there is a more appropriate class of ship that discharges seamen.)
The late Gerald Ford was an honorable man, and I am sure a very nice man as well; it remains to be seen if he is remembered by history any more than former Presidents Taft, Coolidge or a host of others.
Did anyone, other than members of Congress want our newest carrier named USS Ford; or were the voices of veterans and “regular” Americans ignored – as usuual?
This.is.crap !!!!
The new ship was to be called ” Enterprise” and now we’re back to naming them after the politicians ..this shows just how out of touch these people really are.