THE USS KEARSARGE

By Danielle Campbell

It's the 4th of July and it's a time to celebrate our country's independence!

    

http://www.kearsarge.navy.mil/default.aspx

I got a good dose of patriotism this past Memorial Day, while I was onboard the USS Kearsarge. Cameraman Brandon, my intern Maria, and I, flew in a "Helo" and landed onboard the USS Kearsarge.

That was amazing, flying out to the ocean and then landing on a Navy amphibious assault ship. Wow!

We were invited onboard for Fleet Week and to do a story about 35 of Freeport's finest Junior ROTC. The cadets, who are 13 through 16 years old, and spent 4 days sailing onboard the USS Kearsarge.   

While onboard the students got a serious first hand experience of what life at sea would be like!

   

The cadets were onboard the flight deck of the Kearsarge, and manned the rails as they sailed into NY Harbor for Fleet Week 2008!

 

 

The cadets also got a chance to stand on the flight deck of the Kearsarge, and man the rails as they sailed into NY Harbor for Fleet Week 2008.

Major Donald Moore, Freeport's Jr ROTC's commander, was beaming with pride as the cadets stood at attention with the Kearsarge sailors.

I was overwhelmed by the dedication, commitment and patriotism of the Freeport students, and of the women and men onboard the USS Kearsarge.

The student's from Freeport not only set sail on an amazing journey--they also set an example for all of us!

Comments

[ed]

danielle,
very nice story and amazing photos. it looked like you had a blast covering the story. as always nice work . ed

[Sharon]

THANK-YOU!! for the pictures and for the kind words about these kids. It is refreshing to hear about GOOD kids these days!
My stepson was a chaperon for this trip. They had a great time!! Made my heart swell to hear the stories from the kids about this adventure.