Aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt

Today, a group of University of Michigan Alumni had the opportunity to

go aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier in Norfolk, VA.

I knew these ships were big, but did not realize how massive

they are until I went aboard.

One of our fellow alums served as a captain on the carrier and

gave us a personal tour (along with some other young seamen).

We boarded the carrier on the deck where the aircrafts are

stored. This view is taken from the middle of the carrier so

it is only half of the deck area.

I was amazed at how shiny the floors were.

This is looking up at the bridge from the flight deck.

The control room. This is where all crafts are arranged on the

table and organized as to what services they need, if the

are flying out or just came in. About 65 planes can be housed

on the carrier at one time.

Looking at "part" of the flight deck. The hole on the right

side is one of three "lifts" or elevators that bring planes 

up from the lower deck. 

On the bridge. Tom and our friend, John, checking out

one of the controls.

Looking down one of the elevators that bring up

the planes stored below deck.

Looking down one of the hallways below deck two

stories down.

One of the mess halls. The food services was quite 

impressive. The serve 3 - 4 meals per day for 3,000 people.

In the officer's mess hall there are several display cabinets

of silver pieces that Roosevelt collected. This punch bowl

was massive.

We had a great day!