Happy Birthday, Mr. President

“It follows then as certain as that night succeeds the day, that without a decisive naval force we can do nothing definitive, and with it, everything honorable and glorious.” - President George Washington, 15 November 1781, to Marquis de Lafayette. [The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources 1745-1799. vol.23. (Washington, DC: Government Printing Office, 1937): 341.]

In honor of President’s Day we present two posts from captains in command of Navy ships named after one of our 44 presidents to give us their thoughts on the office and the ship’s namesake. Here, Capt. David A. Lausman from USS George Washington (CVN 73)  and Capt. John D. Alexander from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), talk about these historical figures and the Sailors who serve aboard the ships bearing their names.  

USS George Washington (CVN 73)

To date, only 44 men in our nation’s history have held the title of President of the United States; just 44 men over the course of 236 years. As the Commanding Officer of USS George Washington (CVN73), it is my honor to write about the very first, President George Washington.

I consider it an honor because unlike all those who came after him, President Washington took the biggest risk of our founding fathers, officially stepping forward as the leaders of a small group of rebels many in England considered traitors. While Patrick Henry coined the phrase, “…Give me liberty or give me death,” it was Washington who was number one on King George’s “Wanted” list.

Committed to the concept of freedom, democracy and self-determination, this self-educated farmer rallied his fellow statesmen, rallied his rag-tag army and rallied his new nation against all odds in the fight for independence – and under his leadership, emerge victorious. It is because of him, we have a Navy today and in the words of President Washington, “It follows than as certain as that night succeeds the day, that without a decisive naval force we can do nothing definitive, and with it, everything honorable and glorious.”
“The Spirit of Freedom” is still alive today in the form of USS George Washington and the 5,500 Sailors who proudly man this mighty warship. Today, those Sailor continues to do all things both “honorable and glorious” throughout the world protecting the freedoms of our great country.

President’s Day coincides with President Washington’s birthday and this year we blow out 280 candles in honor of our first president. The decorations for our party are red, white and blue and as for a gift, it’s one we all can share all year round – freedom.

On behalf of a grateful nation, happy birthday, Mr. President.

Very Respectfully,
Captain David A. Lausman
USS George Washington (CVN 73)

USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

Serving as the commanding officer of USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) is, without a doubt, the most rewarding job I have had in the Navy. On a daily basis, I observe the hard work and professionalism of 4400 extremely talented and dedicated young men and women. They are all great Americans and true patriots. For whatever reason, they have joined to serve their country and are doing that with honor, courage and commitment. The sacrifices they and their families make are enormous but their dedication never waivers. We are better as a Navy and a country for their selfless service to our great nation as they ensure the words of President Lincoln that, “a country of the people, by the people and for the people, shall not perish.”

Very Respectfully,
Captain John D. Alexander
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72)

The following image gallery illustrates current and prospective Navy vessels named after other American presidents.

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