Kennedy Sailors Visit 'Kennedy' Recruits

Among the visiting Sailors was Fireman Jonathan Cartee, who requested orders to the Kennedy after talking to the ship's former commanding officer, Capt. Dennis E. Fitzpatrick, at his RTC graduation.

''I requested orders to the Kennedy because it is among the most powerful and prestigious Navy ships in the world,'' Cartee said. ''I almost fainted when I heard I got stationed on the Kennedy.''

Cartee said this return to RTC put his Navy career in perspective, having graduated from Great Lakes just a little more than a year ago.

''Seeing the recruits' military bearing helped me reflect on the principles and values that I need to have myself - to advance, get qualified and just be a better Sailor to my shipmates and the Navy,'' he said.

For former Recruit Division Commander SKCM(AW/SW) Brad Shepherd visiting the command where he once served brought back fond memories. He immediately noted the progress and achievements the Navy has seen during the last 15 years.

''I was an RDC in 1991, and the curriculum has evolved since then,'' Shepherd said. ''One thing I learned while meeting the recruits is that this generation of young people is really bright. I believe that the scenario known as Battle Stations is very effective. When the new scenarios are used at Great Lakes, each one will prepare Sailors for real world events.''

Shepherd was impressed with the embedded technology the Navy used in the new barracks. The 172,000 square-foot building accommodates 12 recruit divisions of 88 recruits each. The self-contained facility includes berthing, a galley, classrooms, computer-aided learning centers and a quarterdeck.

''These recruits are very intelligent, and the JFK barracks includes a lot of new technology relevant to the real world,'' Shepherd added. ''The Battle Stations exercise is going to mimic the events of the USS Cole. Technology is great, but it needs to be field applicable. We're on a great track for that.''

Both young Sailors like Cartee and experienced Sailors such as Shepherd agreed that the JFK barracks reflects the pride and professionalism demonstrated aboard the carrier.

''No matter what happens to the ship,'' said Cartee, ''it will be immortalized here in Great Lakes because of these barracks. I think these recruits, RDCs and officers reflect the pride aboard the Kennedy, and in that sense the ship will be remembered forever.''

Shepherd recognized a need for Kennedy Sailors to provide continued support for the recruits who represent the ship's namesake in Great Lakes.

''I see a true correlation of pride and professionalism between the crew of the Kennedy and these newly-minted Sailors,'' he said. ''We need to keep that up and continue to communicate, influence and assist the recruits.''

YNCS(SW/AW) Waldemar Robles from Kennedy agreed with that sentiment.

''There is no limit to the enthusiasm that keeps these Recruits from wanting to serve their country,'' said Robles. ''They wear the cross of this nation proudly, and they are eager to go to war, despite the hardships that await them in the fleet. [Their fellow Sailors] welcome them with open arms.''

The visit to RTC was capped with recruit graduation, officially marking their entrance into the fleet. Robinson was an honorary guest at the RTC graduation as he watched more than 700 recruits become Sailors.

This trip to RTC Great Lakes marks the fifth time Kennedy Sailors have visited the Kennedy barracks since its commissioning in July 2005.