Athens, Ga. (November 12, 2007) - On November 2, 2007, the Carl Vinson Institute of Government hosted a delegation of officers and crew members from the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier, which is currently undergoing a complex overhaul in Newport News, Virginia. The purpose of the group’s visit was to learn more about the life and career of their ship’s namesake and the Institute’s public service and outreach work, said Steve Wrigley, the Institute’s director.

Vinson biographer James Cook started the day with an informative overview of Rep. Carl Vinson’s 50-plus year career in the U.S. Congress and his instrumental role in modernizing the country’s national defense system. During the program held at the Vinson Institute’s headquarters, Art Dunning, vice president for public service and outreach, commented on the significance of the day, which was affirmed by a proclamation from Gov. Sonny Perdue. USS Vinson Capt. Ted Carter provided insight into daily operations on the 97,000-ton carrier, whose length is as long as the Empire State Building is high.

Shown here with Dunning are members of the ship’s color guard, which performed at the Friday lunch and then presented the colors at the UGA-Troy State homecoming football game on Saturday, November 3.

This article was posted on Monday, November 12th, 2007 at 2:06 pm and is filed under News.