U.S. Navy, Unitus CCU strengthen bonds
America’s Navy hosts Unitus Chief Stapp aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt for a crash course in teamwork, a catapult launch, and more
PORTLAND, OR (August 16, 2019) — Education is a pillar of Unitus’ community mission – just usually not this kind of education. The U.S. Navy invited Unitus President/CEO Steve Stapp for an overnight stay aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) to learn how the Navy works well together to protect our country.
The connection happened as part of the Commander Naval Air Forces Distinguished Visitor Embark Program. Stapp flew out from the San Diego coast in a C-2 Greyhound plane, the oldest class of plane in the U.S Navy inventory. Some have described it endearingly as “a box with no windows.” Thirty minutes later, he landed abruptly on an aircraft carrier.
“The pressure is just surreal. When you hit the deck, you go from 150 to zero in about 3-4 seconds. It literally just takes the wind right out of your chest,” marveled Stapp.
After landing, Stapp received a tour of the colossal ship which spans a full 4.2 acres of sovereign U.S. property. He then shared meals with military personnel of all stripes and slept in a bunk bed below the flight deck overnight. Aside from Stapp, other guests of the Navy included the Mayor of San Diego, a Senator from Utah, and a number of influential business leaders.
One of the most striking parts of the experience for Stapp was learning how these intricate teams constantly prepare to defend our country against harm. They must train to become “Blue Ocean Certified,” he explained. That means they are ready to operate efficiently, effectively, and safely in the middle of the ocean, with no land to fall back on. What’s more, given the noise involved, the team has developed a language consisting entirely of hand gestures in order to communicate amongst the deafening sounds of aircraft constantly around them.
“They’re so precise, it’s like a ballet performed on a flight deck,” Stapp beamed. “Planes are constantly moving and everybody has to fulfill their duties exactly right or something very bad could happen. It gives you a whole new appreciation for how dedicated our military is, and what it truly means to take responsibility for yourself and those around you.”
About Unitus Community Credit Union
At Unitus, we’re dedicated to improving lives in the communities we serve. As a member-owned local credit union, we invest in people by doing the right thing. Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, we provide support for community groups through volunteerism and financial donations. Our 105,000 members count on us to serve them and their communities; our 300+ employees share that passion for service. Learn about the local impact Unitus makes by visiting unitusccu.com.
About the United States Navy
The United States Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces. The largest and most capable navy in the world, their mission is to recruit, train, equip, and organize to deliver combat ready Naval forces to win conflicts and wars while maintaining security and deterrence through sustained forward presence. Find out more at navy.mil.
