NASCAR'S Burton Visits GW

Topics:  Jeff Burton

Jennifer Crowell, USS George Washington Public Affairs
U.S. Navy
January 23, 2004
U.S. Navy Story NNS040123-11

ABOARD USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- Dec. 10, Sailors aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) got a special treat as the ship hosted a NASCAR champion. Roush Racing’s Jeff Burton toured the ship, letting Sailors know they are appreciated back home.

The driver’s tour gave him an up-close look at what life is like on an aircraft carrier.

“The opportunity to visit GW was something I wasn’t going to turn down,” Burton said, describing his invitation to visit the ship.

Burton’s tour took him from watching flight operations to the mess decks. During his tour, he was able to meet crew members who were hard at work doing day-to-day activities.

“Talking to all of these people and shaking their hands has been the most enjoyable part of this trip,” he said. “The spirit, excitement and energy on the ship is amazing.”

During his visit, Burton was amazed by how much each Sailor relies on one another to complete GW’s mission. In addition to being impressed by the teamwork GW displayed, Burton was also awed to learn what goes into the final product most people are used to seeing in the media.

“It’s an honor to come and see the things that go on behind the scenes that don’t make it on the news,” he said. “From the Sailors on the flight deck, to the pilots, all the way down to the mess decks - we don’t always see everyone, but they all help make everything happen.”

While he was meeting with Sailors throughout the ship, Burton was impressed with the organization and commitment.

“Civilians think they work hard and put in a lot of effort. But until they come to a place like this, they don’t understand. They don’t realize these Sailors won’t see their families for months at a time and that they put in at least 12-hour days. Civilians don’t see the commitment that goes into making this work; it is second to none,” he said. “The commitment, dedication and hours that Sailors put in are awesome to watch.”

Burton’s admiration for the Sailors' jobs, along with his willingness to give each individual Sailor his time, was an attribute many crew members found appealing.

“He was a down-to-earth, nice guy,” said Senior Chief Electronics Technician (AW/SW) Stephen Vandergrifft, who had the pleasure of escorting Burton around the ship. “He sincerely appreciates what we do out here and never failed to take the time to talk to a Sailor wherever we went. He felt it was his privilege to be out here with us.”

Along with being a military supporter, Burton feels people may not understand what world-wide role the military plays.

“If you watch the news, you tend to think of it as a military force, and you take the people out of it. That’s a huge mistake, because the people are what give the military presence the United States has.”

He added that the Navy deserves the full support from the American public.

“One good thing that’s going on in our country today is the commitment to giving this ship and every other ship the things they need. Anything short of that isn’t fair, and it isn’t right.”

For related news, visit the USS George Washington (CVN 73) Navy NewsStand page at http://www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn73/.

U.S. Navy photo by Brien Aho December 10, 2003 NASCAR driver Jeff Burton signed autographs on the mess decks aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) and met with many of the crew during a two-day visit to the Norfolk, Va. based nuclear aircraft carrier. George Washington is conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for their upcoming six-month deployment. View photo of Jeff Burton, 1,458KB

U.S. Navy photo by Brien Aho December 10, 2003 NASCAR driver Jeff Burton talks with Captain Martin J. Erdossy, Commanding Officer, USS George Washington (CVN 73) on the flag bridge, during a visit aboard the aircraft carrier. Burton signed autographs and met with many of the crew during his two-day visit. George Washington is conducting Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) in preparation for their upcoming six-month deployment. View photo of Jeff Burton, 1,128KB