Flying American

Yesterday we had another once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. While walking in the park of the botanical gardens, we saw an aircraft carrier in port in a bay of Sydney Harbor. It was the USS Kitty Hawk which is to be decommissioned within the year. We could see people walking on the deck so we walked for a half hour around the bay to see what was up. Signs were posted that public tours were not being conducted; it was for VIPs and certain Aussie military personnel only while the ship was in for just a few days. We were later told that only 3000 people would be allowed onboard during its stay. I had Kelly ask multiple times to see if we could enter. Finally a friendly, older semi-retired pilot (who obviously liked Kelly) ushered us past security, stuck us on the back of a group of Aussie helicopter pilots and mechanics and told us to be quiet about it. When we got inside the inner hanger deck, our 'tour group' did not have a guide so was milling aimlessly about the hangar. Kelly asked an officer where we were allowed to go, and he took our group on a personal tour.

We were taken to see the inner hangers with elevators, engine repair room, radio/communications room, pilot house, and Kelly was even allowed to sit in the air traffic controller's seat. Of course the most interesting part was being able to walk out on the top flight deck and be able to touch and tour the sitting aircraft while the officer explained their different missions and parts. We were on the ship for over an hour. It was very interesting and fun!

Typically the Kittyhawk docks in Japan with about 5,000 naval and air force personnel living aboard at any given time. With the Kittyhawk (but obviously not open for any visitors) were several very intimidating cruisers, one of which was the USS Cowpens. The Kittyhawk is scheduled to be retired in the Seattle, Washington area.

Alan