How many times have we heard the phrase witness to history? This morning 97,000 tons of history steamed into Tokyo Bay and docked at Berth #12 at Yokosuka Naval Base. I was fortunate to witness the event. Now homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, the U.S.S. George Washington will be the only forward-deployed nuclear-powered supercarrier in the American fleet. United States Ambassador to Japan J. Thomas Schieffer put it this way. "More than sixty years ago a long and bitter struggle came to a close. Each of us had suffered devastating losses. Both of us wondered if we would ever be friends again. Neither of us could have imagined the event we witness today- the forward deployment of an American nuclear powered aircraft carrier not to subjugate Japan, but to defend Japan."Brother! That's historic.
There always has to be one that spoils the picture.
Strung out along the low seawall at the northern perimeter of Yokosuka Naval Base were many of the curious waiting to catch their first glimpse of the new arrival. I was among them. The carrier moved slowly across our field of view, lining up with the inlet that pointed to its new home. The berthing point was well beyond our view and when the great ship pointed its bow in that direction the crowd either jumped into their vehicles or hoofed the three-quarters of a mile to the dock. I hoofed it and when I got there the atmosphere was carnival-like. Wives, children, girlfriends, sailors, dignitaries, TV crews, bands, balloons, banners and navy brass were all assembled on the enormous dock as the carrier drew nearer with the assistance of the tugs.
Every tailor from Tokyo to Yokosuka must have worked himself cross-eyed getting this bunch suited up for the big ceremony. I could not count the number of "suits" that were bused in for the event. Besides the local dignitaries, there were representatives from the highest echelons of Japanese government present. I saw enough saluting and bowing this morning to make a workout video.
This fellow here with the shades kept talking into his sleeve every once in a while. Either he had a tiny little friend in there he was whispering sweet nothings to or he was plain-clothed security. The bulge underneath his jacket suggests the latter. What I found curious was that this fellow was shorter than me, and I'm built close enough to the ground to be mistaken for a fire plug.
There were many speeches, some military, some civilian, but all very good. The importance of the American-Japanese alliance was emphasized, the understanding of maintaining a lasting peace through strength was reinforced, and the promise to promote freedom and prosperity between the two nations was renewed. Mix that in with the Navy band's rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner," all the flag waving, sailors rushing down the gang plank to kiss wives and set eyes on infant sons or daughters that were born while they were out to sea... it was difficult not to get caught up in all the emotion. I was happy to be there.
