A Long Lasting 'Love Affair' with Big E

摘要

Can anyone in the United States and its Navy imagine that a Swiss - a citizen of a land-locked European country - could ever become deeply involved with an American aircraft carrier? Perhaps even in a way which many Americans and US Navy members cannot claim? This is a story of a love affair between the USS Enterprise (CVAN-65/CVN-65) and him, which did really happen. Already as a young high school student, I was attracted by newspaper articles and books describing World War II and Cold War events. My father, who had served as a sergeant in the Swiss Armed Forces during World War II, guarding the border against Nazi Germany, early-on taught me to pay attention to political and military issues. Which I did. But naval issues and photos attracted me most. I wanted to know and learn more. One day, I wrote a letter to some Embassies in Bern, the Capital of Switzerland. I received some envelopes, containing photos, magazines and even memorabilia. US naval issues - I do not know why - caused a very special attraction. I wrote back to the US Defense Attache and asked him whether it would be possible to visit a ship of the US Sixth Fleet.