U.S. Secretary of Defense Leon E. Panetta arrived aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) to visit the Navy’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier while the ship was underway in the Atlantic Ocean.
The visit marks Panetta’s first time aboard an aircraft carrier as Secretary of Defense.
During his time onboard, Panetta is scheduled to visit several of the 50-year-old carrier’s work centers, dine with Sailors and address the crew during an All Hands Call scheduled to be held in the ship’s hangar bay.
Panetta is also scheduled to re-enlist and present awards to members of the Enterprise crew.
Enterprise is currently underway conducting a composite training unit exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for her 22nd and final scheduled deployment.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , January 24, 2012; Image: navy