The Big E Set to Visit Split
EMBASSY OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
Public Affairs Section
Zagreb, Croatia
The Big E Set to Visit Split, Croatia
By Journalist 1st Class (SW) Hendrick L. Dickson, USS Enterprise Public Affairs
In the spirit of strengthening emerging national partnerships, USS Enterprise, the "Big E," (CVN 65) will make its first port visit during a six-month deployment May 17 - 20 with a stop in Split, Croatia.
Nearly 5,000 Sailors and Marines from Enterprise and embarked Carrier Air Wing 1 will descend on the city for a four-day port visit and a little rest and relaxation after a two-week transit across the Atlantic Ocean.
The ship will also host a Medal of Honor ceremony May 18 for Chief Watertender Peter Tomich. Adm. Harry Ulrich III, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, will present the Medal of Honor to retired Lt. Col. Srecko Herceg, relative of Tomich.
Tomich, a first generation Croatian immigrant, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. After USS Utah was torpedoed by Japanese forces Dec. 7, 1941 at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Tomich remained behind in the engineering plant to ensure all boilers were secured while instructing all other fireroom personnel to evacuate thus losing his own life.
The crew will also have the opportunity to visit many historical sites of the country during the visit. The ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation department has arranged several tours for the Sailors. Sailors will have the opportunity to donate their time by participating in community relations projects throughout the city as well.
Enterprise departed its homeport in Norfolk, Va., May 2. Big E is operating in the Mediterranean Sea along with the rest of Commander, Carrier Strike Group 12 under the 6th Fleet area of responsibility.
The ship will not be open to visits from the general public.