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US aircraft carrier draws the crowds
By Graham Davis
Volume 50, No. 14, August 09, 2007 |
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HUGE: The 81,000 tonne USS Kitty Hawk makes its way up the Brisbane River.
Photo: SGT Steve Apps |
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ACROSS THE BRIDGE: The Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson (front), rides with commander of the USS Kitty Hawk Strike Group RADM Richard Wren (right), Peter Thoeming from Australian Road Riders Magazine (far left), CAPT Bill Dooris (middle rear) and John Aren from Australian Road Riders Magazine (right rear) across the Story Bridge during USS Kitty Hawk’s recent visit to Brisbane.
Photo: Trine Barfod Jensen |
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When the Wright brothers attempted and completed the first manned flight at Kitty Hawk they attracted a large crowd.
Decades on the 81,000 tonne US aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk ... and her 75 aircraft ... are doing the same.
During a five-day visit to Brisbane in July thousands flocked to see the giant warship even though the vessel was not open to general public viewing.
Secured to the Grain Terminal wharf on the southern bank of the Brisbane River, Kitty Hawk was a prime attraction.
Over the five days, thousands drove to Luggage Point on the northern bank of the river to view the ship.
Traffic congestion resulted.
Others paid to ride tourist ferries to catch a glimpse of the 46-year-old ship and her aircraft.
Port of Brisbane, the Queensland police and the ship threw a tight security screen around Kitty Hawk.
For those lucky enough to be invited to take part in guided tours of the vessel security was also tight and visit schedules strictly controlled.
For many visitors, photo ID was required.
Those allowed to board were “stamped” on the hand.
Safety and “don’t do” lectures preceeded each visit.
Among those who did visit the ship were members of Corvette’s Association, Defence Recruiting Brisbane, airmen from RAAF Amberley who fly and maintain F111s but will switch to Super Hornets (carried on the ship) when they are pensioned off, and some midshipmen from Naval Headquarters South Queensland. |
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