Bear Catania in the Navy with Operation Enduring Freedom
On October 16, 2001 Navy Bear Catania shipped out with Zack's Uncle Chris.
Destination: The Mediterranean Sea
Purpose: to protect the seas from terrorism
In May, 2002, Uncle Chris returned from the Mediterranean. He visited Custer Park Elementary School to deliver Bear Catania and talk to the students about his six month tour of duty in the Mediterranean Sea after the events of 9-ll.
As Uncle Chris's newest Navy buddy, Bear Catania observed the happenings on the USS Haylor for six months at sea. They stopped, boarded, and checked suspicious vehicles on the seas during those six months, in an effort to help keep world peace. At times, they were allowed port calls for sight seeing, mostly in Turkey, Crete, Sicily, and Sardina. And Bear Catania carefully watched Uncle Chris as he worked on radar equipment on the USS Haylor, a job he had been trained to do.
Click on the sea creatures below to see pictures from Bear Catania's trip.
The business of protecting
the seas ... Others on board ... It's not all work. Here
are some fun shots! Awesome helicpoter view.
Click on the links below to learn more about this mission and the Navy.
Anchors Aweigh, The US Navy Theme Song
Interesting Note:
The word "weigh" as used in the Navy theme song comes from the archaic word meaning to heave, hoist or raise. "Aweigh" means that action has been completed. In other words, the anchor is "aweigh" when it is pulled from the bottom. This action is recorded in the ship's log.
Of course, children love animals, so one of the questions asked during Uncle Chris's visit to Custer Park was, "What kind of wildlife did you see while you were on the ship?"
And his answer was: "We saw whales, dolphins, octopus, fish, and lizards."
That question was followed with: "Did you see any sharks?"
His answer: "We didn't see any sharks on this trip that I'm aware of."
Our most sincere thanks to Zack's Uncle Chris
for sharing his experience on the USS Haylor with us!
Page created September 2002 @ Custer Park Elementary School
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