An Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) directs an EA-6B Prowler, assigned to the "Scorpions" of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 132, to a catapult for launch aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). Roosevelt is conducting carrier qualifications off the Virginia coast. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jonathan Snyder)NORFOLK (NNS) -- As USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) (TR) returned to Naval Station Norfolk, TR Sailors looked back on a successful underway period. TR underwent carrier qualifications Jan. 25 - Feb. 8 in preparation for a regularly scheduled deployment.
While underway, Sailors were put to the task as they embarked on several training evolutions.
"We were very busy this underway," said Lt. Cmdr. Dave Tarwater, TR's first lieutenant. "We continued to improve in Damage Control and fighting the ship. Our Sailors put in very long hours and we completed everything as planned."
TR also took part in a connected replenishment (CONREP) with USNS Mount Baker (T-AE 34). TR Sailors transferred approximately three million pounds of supplies and ammunition onto the carrier.
Between training evolutions and meeting qualification standards, the crew took a break to welcome aboard seven National Football League cheerleaders from the Miami Dolphins who helped them celebrate Super Bowl XLII.
Thanks to TR Morale Welfare and Recreation, Sailors enjoyed a front row seat to the biggest football game of the year in the ship's Hangar Bay. A giant screen brought the game to life and, as the cheering and booing of the crew filled the Hangar Bay, Sailors were able to escape the everyday routine.
"This was my first time watching the Super Bowl underway," said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 2nd Class Emmanuel Baliscao, work center supervisor for Air Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD). "I think that night was a fun event for everybody."
Now that this underway has come to a completion, TR Sailors say they can look back on it with a sense of accomplishment.
"Everything ran smoothly this underway," said Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Lester Jones of Deck Department. "It was a good underway because we all got a lot of on the job training and we had an opportunity to see how it felt to be at sea for a little bit longer period of time. We completed everything we needed to this underway."