Over 22 years ago 40 Americans came together and displayed courage, sacrifice, and leadership which most of us can only imagine on flight 93 which tragically ended in Somerset County, Pa. Recently 13 common Americans, family members of flight 93 passengers, Somerset County officials, a young proud American (my son) came together onboard USS Somerset LPD-25 the namesake and memorial ship of these brave Americans. Their purpose was to continue to strengthen the bonds between them and the ship’s crew and experience the life of the men and women who sail on this namesake ship. To say this embarkation was a success does not do justice to the crew of the USS Somerset or the 13 civilians who joined them for 3 days and nights. Many of these civilians had never been on an active Navy warship, let alone out to sea.
But together, for 3 days, and nights, Leaders emerged, worked, laughed, shared, and enjoyed the camaraderie that truly can be shared on the open seas.
“Fair Winds and Following Seas” Somerset!
John Pilat
CV-62 USS Independence 1977-1981
