“Man Our Ship and Bring Her to Life”
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Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation Newsletter Special Commissioning Edition - 2017 “Man Our Ship and Bring Her To Life” Dr. Robert M. Humphries Ship Sponsor Susan Ford Bales (center) gives the order to Man Our Ship and Bring Her to Life at the Commissioning of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) at Naval Station Norfolk on July 22, 2017. Captain Richard McCormack, United States Navy Commanding Officer of USS Gerald R. Ford (left) and Master Chief Laura Nunley (right) join Susan at the podium. United States Navy Crew members of the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) “ Man The Rails” at the Commissioning Ceremony. Special Commissioning Edition Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation Letter from the Executive Director, Red Cavaney Chairman Joseph S. Calvaruso Hank Meijer Vice-Chairman Terrence O’Donnell Commissioning Weekend began address to a large crowd of CVN Secretary with the Ship Sponsor Luncheon 78 supporters. The Air Zoo in David Hoogendoorn on July 21. There were special gift Kalamazoo, Michigan was host for Treasurer presentations by the Commission- the second West Michigan event. Martin J. Allen, Jr. ing Committee Co-Chairmen and Bob and Susan Brown hosted Chairman Emeritus heartfelt remarks delivered by this cornerstone event, and Dick HONORARY TRUSTEES Susan. The luncheon concluded Cheney gave remarks about his Richard M. DeVos with a remarkable musical medley former boss and dear friend Presi- Alan Greenspan Seymour K. Padnos by Master Sergeant Alvy Powell of dent Ford. Both of the facilities Donna Calvaruso Donna the United States Army Chorus. displayed temporary CVN 78 BOARD OF TRUSTEES John G. Baab Joe Calvaruso sitting in President Ford’s The Chairmen’s Reception was exhibits that had been made James A. Baker, III chair in the Inport Cabin aboard the held that evening at Naval Station especially available by the Susan Ford Bales USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) on Norfolk. Highlighting the evening Foundation. The final event was Vaden F. Bales July 21, 2017. Brian C. Becker were remarks from former Defense hosted by Doug and Maria DeVos David Brandon Robert W. Browne This is a commemorative edition Secretaries Dick Cheney and Don at their home. Historian John James Cavanaugh of The Gerald R. Ford Presidential Rumsfeld, and poignant toasts by Meacham gave remarks to the Richard Cheney Foundation newsletter. Susan, Doug DeVos, CNO Admiral large gathering as the perfect Douglas DeVos John M. Engler John Richardson, Captain Richard capstone to the evening. A big Michael G. Ford In this edition, we look back on Steven M. Ford Commissioning Weekend for the McCormack, and Admiral Phil thanks goes to each of the hosts David G. Frey USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Davidson. Also in attendance for those three events and to the James P. Hackett were members of President Ford’s generosity of the donors who Bryce “Larry” Harlow including the commissioning Carla A. Hills Administration, including Paul attended. ceremony, itself, as well as special David S. Hooker O’Neill and Brent Scowcroft, Robert L. Hooker events held that weekend. I was The funds raised by the Commis- J. C. Huizenga honored to join the many guests members of the Ford’s crew, sioning Committee at these events Robert D. Hynes Foundation Trustees, and Ford Michael Jandernoa during Commissioning Weekend and elsewhere made possible family members. Thomas E. Kauper and to have served as a member significant enhancements to direct- Fred P. Keller John Kennedy of the USS Gerald R. Ford The Commissioning Ceremony ly benefit the crew and their quality David Hume Kennerly Commissioning Committee. was conducted the following morn- of life on the ship. Many of those Henry A. Kissinger John O. Marsh, Jr. The Committee was led by Ship ing in CVN 78’s hangar bay. After enhancements are discussed in Robin B. Martin Sponsor Susan Ford Bales and this newsletter. the ceremony, the nearly 18,000 William Martin F. David Mathews Co-Chairmen Doug DeVos, Greg guests were invited to tour the ship Also included is a list of the major Stephen McConahey Willard, and Red Cavaney, all four – America’s newest “100,000 Tons donors to the Commissioning M. Peter McPherson of whom are also Foundation John G. Morris of Diplomacy.” Across the country Committee, many of whom are Mark A. Murray Trustees. in Grand Rapids, members of the also Foundation supporters. We Paul H. O’Neill Paul H. O’Neill, Jr. In addition, this newsletter takes public gathered at the Museum to hope that all CVN 78 supporters Leon W. Parma a retrospective look at the ship’s watch a live telecast of the com- will join us in the years ahead in Richard D. Parsons missioning. their continued support of Presi- Roger B. Porter already stellar history leading up Donald H. Rumsfeld to the commissioning. Not surpris- dent Ford’s legacy through the Mark S. Schlissel Leading up to the Commissioning, Foundation’s “Friends of Ford”. Bill Schuette ingly, the Ford and her crew didn’t citizens across West Michigan Brent Scowcroft rest on their commissioning supported three cornerstone Karen Scowcroft Thank you for making the USS Peter F. Secchia laurels; immediately following Commissioning Committee fund- Gerald R. Ford such a singular Samuel “Buzz” Thomas, III Commissioning Weekend, she raising events. The first event, tribute to President Ford and the Margaret Tutwiler went to sea where her first tail Frank A. Ursomarso hosted by Don and Angela Sheets, motto: Integrity At The Helm. James P. Ursomarso hook landings and Electromagnetic took place in Midland, Michigan at Steve Van Andel Best regards, Aircraft Launch System launches Steve Waterbury the Midland Center for the Arts. Sanford I. Weill were successfully completed. Don Rumsfeld gave the keynote Ronald Weiser Gregory D. Willard Albert C. Zapanta Frank G. Zarb Frank G. Zarb, Jr. For those who were unable to attend the Joseph S. Calvaruso Executive Director CVN 78 commissioning, Elaine K. Didier the official Commissioning Book Library/Museum Director can be viewed at this link: https://issuu.com/faircountmedia/docs/uss_gerald_r_ford_cvn_78 Special Commissioning Edition To Friends of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), Please accept our heartiest gratitude and congratulations on the commissioning of USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), America’s newest aircraft carrier and aircraft carrier class. This is the largest and most significant tribute ever bestowed upon President Ford, and it is one for which he is richly deserving. The Ford will defend America and her allies for decades, as will her fellow Ford Class carriers well into the Twenty- Second Century. Through the generosity and tireless efforts of thousands of Americans from coast to coast, the Commissioning Committee raised $6.5 million for the Ford and her crews. The amount raised is unprecedented for any commissioning. The outpouring of support is a shining honor to President Ford and his extraordinary legacy of Integrity At The Helm. The funds will support the Ford and the tens of thousands of sailors who will serve aboard her. The Committee has already delivered and placed into service signifi- cant accessions to the ship, and plans for additional accessions are underway. On behalf of all of us on the Commissioning Committee and our Navy League partners, thank you for making CVN 78’s Commissioning Weekend and this extraordi- nary tribute to President Ford a reality. May God bless and watch over the USS Gerald R. Ford, those who built her, and all those who will serve aboard her. And may His light shine upon President Gerald Ford and Betty Ford and the nation they loved so dearly. Sincerely yours, USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Commissioning Committee Susan Ford Bales, Ship Sponsor ________________________ ______________________ Gregory D. Willard, Douglas L. DeVos, Red Cavaney, Co-Chairman Co-Chairman Co-Chairman 3 Special Commissioning Edition Ship Sponsor Luncheon - July 21, 2017 REMARKS OF GREG WILLARD SHIP SPONSOR LUNCHEON JULY 21, 2017 with your patriotic support, we from the bottom of our collective heart! raised $6.5 million! (applause). We would be remiss not to … And now we’re in for a treat. My grandson pause to thank several very celebrated his three year old birthday last special people who were at week, and couldn’t stop talking about all of his the epicenter of what the treats. But today, we have an extra special Commissioning Committee treat – one that would wow even young Emmerich Willard. accomplished in our fundrais- ing efforts. With us today are Master Sergeant Alvy Powell is going to per- Doug DeVos, Maria DeVos, form three musical selections. The first is one and the DeVos family, Peter that President Ford requested -- literally, Alvy -- and Pietro Secchia, and Mary- every time you were present before President Pat Woodard. Their generosity and Mrs. Ford. On those occasions, the Presi- and support to the men and dent would quietly ask Alvy, “… Alvy, would Dr. Robert M. Humphries women of CVN 78 have been you mind singing ……” And to each of the amazing. Would each of you Commissioning Committee Co-Chair Greg Willard President’s heartfelt requests, Alvy always and your family members would immediately interject with a smile, “Yes, please stand. (applause). sir, Mr. President; I’ll work it into the program.” On behalf of my Commissioning Committee So, today, Susan has emulated her father and Co-Chairmen, Doug DeVos and Red Cavaney, We’ve also been so fortunate to have at our quietly whispered to Alvy, “… Alvy, would you welcome as we celebrate USS Gerald R. side the leadership of the Navy League– mind singing ……” So, the first selection will Ford’s Commissioning Weekend. And, in Hampton Roads Council, particularly Navy be President Ford’s favorite song from Alvy’s particular, we pay special tribute today to League Chairman, Captain Bill Crow and Navy repertoire.