Aerosmith "walks this way" to HST - Around the Fleet - group visits USS Harry S. Truman

All Hands, Dec, 2002 by Jason Stevens

"'Aerosmith,' arriving." Most definitely the last thing one would expect to hear over the ship's 1-MC. Though it wasn't actually called away, it would be just "what it takes" to introduce USS Harry S. Truman's (CVN 75) most celebrated guests in recent history.

Sailors on board Truman welcomed American rock 'n' roll legends Aerosmith to "walk this way" up the brow Oct. 9 for a look at the Navy's newest nuclear-powered aircraft carrier.

Aerosmith has entertained fans for 32 years, from their debut self-titled album in 1973 to their recent release of hits including the ever-popular "Sweet Emotion," "(Dude) Looks Like a Lady" and "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing."

The group performed this fall at the Virginia Beach Amphitheater. Their return to the Hampton Roads area was special because last year's visit, which was slated for Sept. 11, 2001, was cancelled.

"We talked a lot about coming back here," said lead guitarist Joe Perry. "I think we would have played (last year). I think we were, just as everyone was, so shocked at what happened."

HST's Executive Officer, CAPT Ted Carter escorted the group around the ship, giving them a taste of her awesome power and fighting force.

"It's an honor and a privilege to be aboard the most potent war vessel of all-time," said lead vocalist Steven Tyler. "The morale is exceptional. Everybody's rockin."'

The band and some of the members' children toured the ship's air traffic control center before venturing up to the flight deck for a full flight operations brief by Carter.

"The ship is amazing?' said Perry, "but the crew is even more amazing."

Moving on to flight deck control, Aerosmith got an idea of how the ship's company, and air wing squadron work together during hectic flight ops.

The band insisted that being on board was more exciting for them than for the crew members that met the rock idols.

"Everybody here has been saying how thrilled they are for us to be here," said bassist Tom Hamilton, "but what they don't know is the thrill is all ours."

"After doing this tour," said drummer Joey Kramer, "I can honestly say I feel a lot safer."

Often called the "elder statesmen of rock and roll," the band was impressed at the crews average age of 19 years.

"The ones who have always fought the wars are the really young ones," said Hamilton. "Maybe there's something about them that makes it so they can really face the danger that could be out there."

Having missed an earlier opportunity to visit HST while she was moored in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Aerosmith was tickled pink with the chance to come on board this time.

Tyler said the band would dedicate the 1993 hit "Livin' on the Edge" to the men and women living on the edge of freedom during the concert.

"The men and women in the military are all willing to give their lives and we all hope that would not be the case," said Tyler, "but after being on this ship, I feel secure, I feel safe and we all just have to do a lot of praying."

Story by JOSN Jason Stevens who is assigned to the public affairs office, USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75).