‘Freedom Endures,’ Carrier Returns

The aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt, one of the first ships sent abroad in the U.S. war on terrorism, docked Wednesday after a six-month mission, sending crew members streaming ashore into the tearful embraces of family members.

Rain and a blustery wind failed to wash out the festive atmosphere at Norfolk Naval Station’s Pier 14, where thousands hailed the return of the warship from a 189-day deployment.

“USA! USA! USA!” the throng chanted as the first carrier to deploy after Sept. 11 was nudged into the pier by tugboats. Many waved and wept before the crew left the ship.

Sailors with American flags waved back from the deck of the 1,092-foot carrier.

“We still have 30 ships out there and thousands of shipmates who continue to do the job,” said Adm. Robert J. Natter, commander in chief of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. “The answer to this [the war on terrorism] is not, have we captured Osama bin Laden . . . but rather keeping them on the defensive, keeping them running. We are winning.”

Among those welcoming the sailors at the pier were Secretary of the Navy Gordon England and Sen. George Allen (R-Va.).

The ship flew the flag of New York City as it pulled alongside the pier. A banner, fashioned from a bedsheet, proclaimed: “Freedom Endures.”

The Roosevelt launched 60 to 80 combat flights a day into Afghanistan, and the ship’s aviators routinely flew 14 hours a day.

“We helped deter terrorism,” said Capt. Stephen S. Voetsch, commander of the carrier air wing.

The Roosevelt departed Norfolk Sept. 19.

At a tent for crewmen who are new fathers, Lt. Cmdr. Carther Jorgensen cradled his 4-month old son, Alexander Charles, each smiling broadly at the other.

“I’m so glad I’m home. It seems he knew who I was. He smiled,” Jorgensen said.