Old carrier still packs punch
THE US Navy's oldest operational aircraft carrier is proving it can still pack a punch during military exercises off the Queensland coast.
News
Don't miss out on the headlines from News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THE US Navy's oldest operational aircraft carrier is proving it can still pack a punch during military exercises off the Queensland coast.
The flight deck of the USS Kitty Hawk, currently based about 320km from Shoalwater Bay for Exercise Talisman Sabre, was a flurry of activity yesterday as crew launched or landed aircraft every 50 seconds in support of US Marines and soldiers on shore.
But it is not all business for the 5000 sailors onboard the conventionally powered carrier.
Rear Admiral Richard B. Wren said the ship – which is on its last visit to Australia – contained modern amenities.
"We can do everything a city can do and we can bring it with us," he said.
Cooks in the ship's mess dish up about 15,000 meals a day.
Culinary Specialist First Class Joseph Alcantara, 36, who will be posted to the White House in October, said as the captain's personal cook he works from 6am to 10pm.
Meanwhile, two men caused traffic chaos in Rockhampton yesterday by chaining themselves to a US marine vehicle on the Bruce Highway.
The Melbourne men were arrested and charged with one count each of public nuisance.
Exercise Talisman-Sabre will run until July 2.