100th
Anniversary of Theodore Roosevelt's
"Great
White Fleet"
Pier 30 | May 21,
2008 | Seattle, Washington |
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One hundred years ago, President
Theodore Roosevelt sent a component of the Atlantic Fleet on a world
tour to test United States naval readiness, establish global
presence and generate international goodwill. President
Roosevelt sent 16 battleships, plus auxiliary support ships, and
14,000 Sailors and Marines to embark on the 14-month journey that
covered 43,000 miles and made 20 ports of call on 6 continents.
One of those visits by "The Great White Fleet" was to the Seattle
area. |
In commemoration of the
centennial, two Navy ships, the USS Rushmore (LSD 47) and the USS
Preble (DDG 88) and a Navy Landing Craft, Air Cushioned (LCAC)
hovercraft visited Seattle to parade on Elliot Bay, conduct ship
tours, and hosted a reception to commemorate this historic 100th
anniversary.
An impressive parade of ships
(which included and were escorted by the fireboats of Seattle's
waterfront) passed by Pier 66 and Bell Tower on May 20, 2008
at approx. 12:15pm on their way to docking at Pier 30 for the May
21st festivities. |
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USS Rushmore |
Historic Perspective:
In 1907, the ships departed
Hampton Roads, Virginia, to become the first global naval voyage in
history. The participating ships, painted white except for
gilded scrollwork on their bows, became known as "The Great White
Fleet". The message to the world was that the United States
had arrived as a significant world power, outward looking, and
filled with goodwill towards every nation.
Honoring the 100th anniversary
of Teddy Roosevelt's GWF deployment underscores the Navy's
commitment to sustaining a Navy and Marine Corps responsive to the
challenges of the 21st century. Today, informed by its
diplomatic tradition, the US Navy continues to work with partners to
deter aggressors, protect the right to operate freely at sea, and
provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief around the
world. |
USS Preble
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Together with the Navy, "Miss
Michele" put on a beautifully orchestrated event. Examples of
the dignitaries who were invited on board ranged from
representatives of the Navy League, present and former Navy
Commanders and Directors, various Consuls of foreign governments who
are based in Seattle, famous war heroes, and the media, to a
note-worthy "Teddy Roosevelt" reenactor (Joe Wiegand), and of course
members of Somewhere in Time Unlimited who were dressed in 1908
attire! SITU's gentlemen
wore "tophat and tails", gloves and walking sticks, while the ladies
of the group wore lovely gowns, jackets, elaborate hats, gloves and
parasols.
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The Somewhere in Time group had
been asked and then invited to be the official "Welcoming Committee"
as the dignitaries boarded the vessel. There were many
precarious gang-planks, tall platforms and steps to navigate (pardon
the pun), especially difficult when in tall heels or carrying
parasols! Some SITU
members greeted people as they came up the steep steps to the flight
deck...
... others mingled with guests
on the flight deck "aft" as guests cleared the staircase.
From here, the view of downtown Seattle as well as the harbor was
stunning!
The next group of SITU members
were positioned just outside of the massive white tenting which had
been set up to guard us all against the elements and in which the
incredible spread of food was waiting for everyone to enjoy. |
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Many, many photos were taken by
visitors and the press.
{**If you happen to have any, would you consider
sharing them with us so we can post them here?} |
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Once inside the
tent, a drinks bar serving wine/beer and soft-drinks, as well as a
most lavish meal was spread out for everyone to enjoy. Servings of
roast beef, chicken, jumbo shrimp, rounds of bread heaped full of
various seafood mixes or vegetarian delights, cheese and cracker
platter, fruit platter, breads, and an entire table dedicated just
to desserts awaited the hungry celebrants. When a young Navy
enlisted was asked who the catering company was, he shyly but
proudly replied that the staff on-board had provided all the
wonderful food and had done the preparations. A hearty round of
applause for a job WELL done!!! |
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After dinner,
everyone was invited to disembark to a tent waiting on the pier
where the Navy Band played several tunes. Guest speakers and
“Teddy” made wonderful and moving presentations. A young enlisted
woman was awarded a sort of “most valuable player” kind of honor for
the USS Rushmore. Another young enlisted man awarded from the USS
Preble. {**Forgive Lady Victoria for not noting
the title of the award.} |
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"Star Spangled
Banner" |
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SITU thanking
guests for attending. |
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Joe Wiegand as "Theodore
Roosevelt". Click
HERE
for his website@ |
The beautiful video presentation about the Navy and the service they
provide was so rousing, it caused at least one female SITU member to
comment, “Sign me up!”
If you are
truly interested in considering a career in the US Navy, please
click
HERE
for further info. |
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The finale of the
evening’s celebrations was concluded by a barbershop quartet from
the Navy Band, NW Region singing the original words to “Stars and
Stripes Forever”. Wow!!!
If I am able to obtain a sound
clip of them singing, I shall post it here onto this website as well
as the SITUSeattle blog. (Click
here to see the blog.) |
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"...and forever in peace may
it wave." |
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Thank you
again, Miss Michele, for your efforts to
coordinate the celebrations and to invite
SITU members to participate in such a
momentous occasion. Those of us who were
honored to be invited, were impressed by the
honor and kindness shown to our group. We
are truly blessed to have such perfect
examples of military personnel and it was a
delight to be counted in relationship with
such fine American patriots!
“Hats off” too,
to the Officers and Crews of the USS
Rushmore and Preble. Well done. Well
done. Bully! Bully!
Bully!!!!
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For more
information about The Great White Fleet, go to:
www.navy.mil/gwf
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Updated July 22, 2008 |
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Photo on Event Tab
courtesy of Hampton Roads Naval Museum,
G. Calhoun, Editor/Historian |
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Return to home page. |
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