Trip aboard the USS Somerset an experience of a lifetime

An experience of a lifetime is how three of Somerset County's leaders described their latest adventure.

Ron Aldom, Somerset County Chamber of Commerce executive director, Somerset County Commissioner Gerald Walker and Stephen Clark, superintendent of Western Pennsylvania Parks, Flight 93 National Memorial, just returned from a tour aboard the USS Somerset.

The trio were in a group that included Deborah Borza and Patrick White, family members of two of the passengers on United Flight 93 that went down near Shanksville Sept. 11, 2001, and Janet Vatavuk, widow of Somerset County Commissioner John Vatavuk. During his three terms as a commissioner, Vatavuk backed the USS Somerset’s commissioning and the Flight 93 memorial efforts.

"Leaders at Sea" was the program the U.S. Navy launched to connect the Somerset County leaders and the families of the crew and passengers on United Flight 93, to the sailors onboard the USS Somerset.

"The sailors come here to get to know us. They want them to come here to make a connection to Somerset County," Aldom said. "Then we reversed rolls to have those of us here go to them."

The group spent four days at sea. The ship departed San Diego, California, Jan. 19, and sailed 75 miles off the coast, and came back Jan. 23.

While on the ship, in addition to being able to tour, they also made presentations to the crew members, particularly those whose deployment will be ending soon. Aldom talked about going into the business world.

Clark talked about the National Park Service and Walker talked about local government and how it functions.

They also did watch duty on the bridge and served food in the kitchen.

"That was a great way to meet the sailors," Walker said. The three agreed the food on the USS Somerset "was wonderful."

"We saw 24 (helicopter) touchdowns during the day and 18 at night," Walker said. "When the ships refueled at sea, they were 180 feet apart. They matched perfectly."

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USS Somerset's beginnings

The USS Somerset was named in honor of Somerset County after Sept. 11. Building of its keel began Dec. 11, 2009, and the USS Somerset was launched on April 14, 2012. The USS Somerset's motto is "Courage Through Adversity."

The ship's shield design is taken from the shield on the Somerset County seal. Around the edge of the shield on a blue border are 40 white stars, one for each of the 40 passengers and crew who perished at this crash site. An American bald eagle flying shows that the passengers turned the flight path and changed the outcome of the terrorists' intent, according to the USS Somerset website.

"The USS Somerset is the most unique ship in the U.S. Navy," Aldom said. "Everywhere you looked there was something to do with Somerset County or Flight 93. There are 50 municipalities in Somerset County and 50 signs on board. We weren't allowed in the crews' quarters, but it houses 360 sailors and another 600 fully equipped Marines unit. The nozzles that they use to refuel the ship at sea were made in Somerset County. They even have a museum on board."

The ship combines amphibious shipbuilding and war-fighting technology that supports Marine Corps aircraft and landing craft. It provides the Navy and Marine Corps the ability to embark, transport and land elements of a Marine Expeditionary Unit and Brigade.

"It's not just a war vessel. They talked about the humanitarian program, assisting in humanitarian efforts. It can house rescue vehicles as much as war vehicles. It will deploy for nine months. Right now the crew is in training," Aldom said. "This was a teaching experience for the crew as well.

"It is a living, breathing ship. I couldn't help to be proud to be there. Proud of our military. The young men and women committed to their mission."

Walker echoed Aldom's praise.

"It is uniquely attached to not only the Flight 93 Memorial, but to the county. The captain and crew couldn't have been nicer to us. They were truly proud of being on the USS Somerset and its mission," he said. "To be there and to live, eat, breathe for four full days gives you a better appreciation of what they do."

The ship's crew

Aldom said the officers and sailors are a very tight knit group and he attributes that to the leadership. The men said it was inspirational to see the captain sweeping the floor, cleaning up a spill or performing regular duties. The captain of the USS Somerset is Chris Brown.

"The members were young but the Navy is also steep in tradition. You did not wear your hat inside the officers mess," Walker said. "There was a rack to put them on outside the door. They were very respectful. They lead by example. To see the captain in action, you understand why the individuals would take command from someone so young."

"What I take away from the trip is the people. Standing back, I'd listen and watch. When they'd enter the officers' mess, a junior officer sought out the higher ranking officer, tap him on the shoulder and ask to join them," Clark said about the respect he saw on board. "The transfer of information from a say five-year sailor to someone who was just out of high school. You could tell the pride of the sailors teaching the younger sailors. You can't teach that. It was extraordinary."

Walker said he'd go on the bridge at night to see what was happening.

"The older officers on the bridge are constantly training the younger ones," he said. "If you stopped a sailor and asked for directions, they'd say 'I'll take you there and do you want to see where I work?'."

Walker and Clark were particularly impressed that the ship holds a monthly event to bolster the morale of those on board. Clark explained that profit from the ship's store pays for these special events in what is called the morale, welfare and recreation fund.

"They have a monthly activity like a barbecue that is meant to boost morale," Walker said. "When you choose to be on a ship like that, it's the small things like that monthly program that helps."

"The difference between this trip, and the commissioning is now the ship has experience. It has been deployed. It's alive. Its got soul and character," Aldom said. "The experience was phenomenal.

"It really did was it was supposed to do. They wanted us to walk away knowing the ship," Aldom said. "Every sailor and officer there made the difference. We had an instant reaction. A connection. Everybody was upbeat.""It was the trip of a lifetime," Walker agreed.

"Our nation is in fine shape thanks to these men and women in our military," said Clark. "I can't think of anything more special, meaningful on that ship. It's extraordinary."

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Somerset contingent tour USS Somerset