“Our adversaries may think they have an edge on us due to the virus outbreak, but from what I’ve seen, I have no doubt this crew has proven them wrong,” said Honea. Honea said he was impressed with the resilience and pride he saw in the Sailors. For spaces that were continuously operational, Sailors cleaned the area before leaving it, while the incoming Sailors cleaned it immediately upon arrival.

Spaces that did not need to be manned were vacated for seven days – four days longer than the minimum recommended by the Centers for Disease Control – before being thoroughly disinfected. The ship underwent an aggressive, cleaning regimen, which balanced effective decontamination with protecting the ship’s critical systems. “TR has laid the foundation for a “get well” road map for the Navy to refine as we continue to learn about operating in this evolving environment.”Īfter the ship’s arrival to Guam on March 27, approximately 700 Sailors remained on board to maintain critical operations and begin the cleaning process. “I am incredibly proud of the ongoing effort to get this crew healthy and take back their ship,” said Aquilino. Aquilino and Honea also spent the day participating in small-group discussions with Sailors, answered questions, and addressed their concerns. The visit included time aboard the ship to see the extensive work that went into disinfecting the aircraft carrier. “These patriots on TR have not only fulfilled their solemn oath to the constitution by fighting all enemies, they have also provided extremely important information enabling our medical experts to develop solutions to this virus for the entire nation.” “The Sailors on Theodore Roosevelt have been on the front line fighting this invisible adversary never before experienced by our Navy,” said Aquilino. John Aquilino and Pacific Fleet Master Chief James Honea arrived in Guam on May 1. Navy’s Pacific Fleet commander and the fleet master chief visited the crew to see the operation firsthand and thank the Sailors for their resilience and dedication in getting the “Big Stick” back in the fight.Ĭommander, U.S. As COVID-free Sailors move aboard to prepare the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) to go back to sea and execute their mission, the U.S.

Fleet commander pacific