Full Response from Admiral Nathman

Regarding the USS America, and correspondence between the Admiral and Tom Tramantano.  

(click to enlarge)

19 April 2005

 Philadelphia Navy Yard

Early this morning the DOD on loaded the explosives needed for AMERICA’S FINAL MISSION.  At approximately 11:15am tugs gently nudged her from her berth. After turning her to face down river, her anchor chain was fastened to the tow boat for the trip back to the Atlantic.  She did have a crew onboard, DOD personnel, Navy photographers etc. They should arrive on station by the weekend.  This means the mission could be over by Monday. It was learned that there would only be two series of explosions, with the second one expected to send her to the bottom.  Sometime before the SINKEX begins, the Navy will hold a ceremony onboard to honor those who had the privilege of serving their country onboard the AMERICA. The Navy will let us know when she is gone and we will post the final date when we receive it.  As we are nearing the end of a chapter in our lives that is hard to except, we are also getting ready to start on a new quest.   

This is to have the America honored for her supreme sacrifice, by having the next aircraft carrier named the USS AMERICA – CVN78.  The following link has been set up and is dedicated to influencing decision makers in the Oval Office, Congress and the United States Navy to name that first ship in the class in honor of our country. Please help us by supporting our letter campaigns in support of the new USS America CVN78.

Time Capsule aboard America

The time capsule was delivered to the Navy at the Philadelphia Navy Yard on March 24, 2005. The Navy will be placing it onboard the AMERICA during a ceremony at sea, after she is towed out on April 19. At the same time the Navy will place a bronze plaque onboard to honor those who served on the AMERICA. Because non of her former crew will be allowed to witness the ceremony, it will be video taped and a copy will be given to the CVA along with a smaller copy of the plaque.

The CVA would like to thank all who donated mementos for the time capsule and a special thank you goes to Ed Collins for all the effort he put into this project.

Salute to America and Her Crew 2/25/05

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Full Response from Admiral Nathman

Time Capsule aboard America

Salute to America and Her Crew 2/25/05

Latest news on the fate of the U.S.S. AMERICA