USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) have completed 12 distinguished visitor (DV) embarkations as of Aug. 27 in the three weeks the ship has been underway.
The DV program brings civilian and military guests aboard the ship while underway to witness the demanding environment of aircraft carrier operations.
DVs are carefully selected by the ship's Type Commander and Fleet Forces Command and must meet specific qualifications.
'You have to be considered a center of influence to qualify as a DV,' said Capt. Ryan Scholl, Enterprise's executive officer. 'They are chosen based on their unique roles as influencers in society.'
DVs are flown to the ship aboard Carrier Onboard Delivery (COD) aircraft, making the arrested landing on the flight deck their first experience aboard the aircraft carrier.
They meet the strike group commander and commanding officer of the ship and are then guided on a comprehensive tour providing them a broad overview of what Sailors do each day.
While each tour can be different, all DV's are shown the flight deck, the ship's bridge, foc'sle, medical and dental facilities, the carrier air traffic control center, combat direction center, the flag bridge and day and night flight operations. DVs are also invited to dine in the ward room, the chief's mess and on the mess decks.
During each tour stop, Sailors working in those specific areas explain facets of their jobs to the visiting individuals.
'The thing they love most is anything that has them interacting with our Sailors,' said Scholl. 'From right off the COD, they are so impressed with our Sailors that they often make comments that they wish their employees were like them.'
The DV program provides the Navy the opportunity to show educators, politicians, business leaders, celebrities and athletes what Sailors do each day, providing these individuals firsthand knowledge of how the Navy operates.
Smartdraw 2014 full version crack for windows. 'Truly, I walk away from my time on the Big E a changed person,' said Julie Smith, Verizon's vice president of external affairs, Southeast region. 'I have always admired and respected our military, but this sheds new light on what you heroes do day-in and day-out.'
Upon completing their tour, guests leave with a picture and video record of their trip, an honorary 'tailhooker' certificate commemorating their arrested landing on the flight deck and other memorabilia, commemorative items paid for by the DVs, but which Scholl said are considered ambassadorial tokens more than gifts.
'DVs are the type of people who directly or indirectly affect policymakers who, in turn, affect us,' said Scholl. 'While the reward we get is somewhat abstract, it is part of the Navy's overall strategy to show our relevance in the ever-changing operational environment we are called to function in each day.'
Most Navy ships have DV programs, due to widespread interest in the Navy, and according to retired admiral Robert Kelly, the ninth commanding officer of USS Enterprise, is something unique.
'The entire spectacle is one that all Americans should witness,' he said after a recent visit. 'Even though Enterprise is a bit worn she is still a magnificent, capable and historic part of the American Navy in general and carrier aviation in particular.'
For more news from USS Enterprise, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn65/.

Jan 20, 2014  Headed out to the USS Carl Vinson January 22-23 for overnight visit as part of the US Navy’s Distinguished Visitor Program. Departing North Island Naval Air Station on Coronado via a C-2A Greyhound cargo plane, trap landing on deck and observing day/night ship and flight operations, returning the next day via the C-2A with a carrier deck takeoff.