AT SEA: Crew of USS Enterprise talk about life aboard aircraft carrier

Gym, library and computer room are just some of the past-time entertainment found onboard the USS Enterprise, which has been based in the Gulf since the beginning of August, replacing two carriers deployed there since the beginning of this year amid tension with Iran. The aircraft carrier USS Enterprise has been based in the Gulf since the beginning of August, replacing two carriers deployed there since the beginning of this year amid growing tensions with Iran. Able to carry up to 66 aircraft, the ship is not only equipped with dealing with security and military operations in the region, but is also able to facilitate and support the thousands of crew members and navy personnel onboard. The USS Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, which includes accompanying destroyers and a submarine, is tasked with conducting security operations and providing air support for ground forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, officials said. But when its personnel are not busy at work, they try to find past-time entertainment which for many means spending hours at the gym or at the library. Catherine Thompson, a Culinary Specialist, or chef, onboard the carrier says she spends much of her spare time time reading or talking to friends. "What I do in my spare time? I go email my family and friends back at home in the States and I go to the library and read books. I talk to my friends onboard. Life for females onboard is pretty much the same like the males onboard, we do everything they do. (We) work, work hard, go to our racks, talk to our friends, families," she said. With its fleet of more than 5,000 sailors and marines to feed, the kitchen staff are busy preparing meals three times a day. The menu onboard the carrier compromises of familiar dishes and the cooks make sure that variety is never lacking. "The food is no different from what we served in wartime. Throughout the navy, we run a 21-day cycle menu, which means that every 21 days the same food item is served and starting December the navy is going to go with a 14-day cycle menu which means every 14 days the cycle menu is going to change up on you, but it's no different," said Chief Warrant Officer Kent Howard. Asked what the crew's favourite dish is, Howard said: "We serve a lot of chicken. The crew like a lot of chicken, whether it's baked or fried, a lot of fish. We try to serve a lot of fish because we have to serve it three times a week according to the navy health and standard menu." While much attention is given to ensuring that the crew are well taken care of onboard the ship, some say being at sea is never too comfortable. "Life out to sea is different because you don't get to eat everything that you want to eat and driving a car, you don't get to drive a car and that kind of sucks" said officer Hipson. It is unclear how long the carrier will remain in the Gulf. The United States has been flexing its muscles in a standoff with Iran over Tehran's nuclear programme. Washington also accuses Iran of meddling in Iraq and of fostering militant Islamic groups throughout the Middle East. The United States sent a second carrier to the Gulf at the start of the year. U.S. officials said the move was designed to reassure U.S. allies concerned about Iran's increasing influence in the region. The United States and its allies say Iran is secretly trying to build a nuclear bomb and are pressuring Tehran to suspend uranium enrichment activities. Tehran insists it is working on developing nuclear energy.

ITN Source | August 20, 2007

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