But throughout the ship, it’s easy to see that morale is high. Talk to anyone on board in various departments, and their dedication to their tasks – and pride in their ship and its planes – is not to be underestimated.
The esprit de corps is manifested in the swaggering nicknames assumed by both pilots and their squadrons (“Gunslingers,” “Zappers” and “Rawhides,” to name a few). Behind those names are dedicated professionals for whom old-fashioned patriotism is a major motivation.
With the men and women of the Truman soon headed into harm’s way in the Persian Gulf, where they will fly combat missions in Iraq, that’s a factor that can be a premium. Though the war has lost support from many Americans, the Truman, under the leadership of Herm Shelanski, is prepared to do its part in the fighting.
Shelanski, a student of history, understands that “standing up” to the Islamist tyrants of Iran and their terrorist allies in the region is a crucial mission and a threat that cannot be safely ignored. A proud Jew, he also isn’t shy about pointing out that Israel’s safety is connected to the ability of its sole ally to maintain its strength in the region and throughout the globe.
Sadly, some on the Truman may not come home from the Gulf. With Iraq now a political football and a maddening Sept. 10 mentality infecting much of the electorate, some of us may choose to ignore or denigrate the value of their sacrifices. But the brave men and women of our armed forces – like the crew of the Truman, volunteers all – are the “silver platter” upon which America’s freedoms are being handed to each one of us here.
As Nathan Alterman wrote in a not dissimilar context, “the rest can be found in the history books.”