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Distinguished Visitors

 

Guest Information

SCHEDULE CHANGES: Ship schedules are always subject to change on short notice, and embarks may be CANCELLED on VERY short notice, including the day of your embark. In the event that an embark must be cancelled, we will contact you immediately. If you learn that you cannot participate on an embark, please contact us as soon as possible, so we may offer the opportunity to someone else. 
 
COMPLETE AND SUBMIT THE NAVY EMBARK REGISTRATION FORM: Guests will not be cleared to participate on an embark until a completed Navy Embark Registration Form has been submitted, screened, and approved.
The link to access the Registration Form was provided in the email that also contained the link to these information pages. Please ensure that the Embark Registration Form has been completed and submitted.
 
AIRCRAFT CARRIER EXPERIENCE: Guests will depart from a U.S. Naval Air Station to an aircraft carrier while it is conducting training operations at sea.
Departing locations include: Naval Air Station North Island, CA, for a West Coast Embark; NAS Norfolk, VA, or NAS Jacksonville, FL, for an East Coast embark; or Joint Base Pearl Harbor, for embarks from Hawai’i.
The flight will be on a Navy C-2 Greyhound, or CMV-22B Osprey transport plane and guests will experience a landing on the ship’s flight deck.
While aboard the ship, guests will view flight operations, visit the Bridge, Primary Flight Control, and other work centers on the ship; and have the opportunity to eat with crewmembers and officers. The following day, after seeing more of the ship and flight operations, guests will experience a launch off the ship, and return to the Naval Air Station.
This is a working visit. The crew will conduct normal, daily work; wearing work uniforms. You should dress accordingly, wearing jeans/slacks, long-sleeved shirts, and comfortable walking shoes – no dinner jackets, ties, dresses, or heels.
 
TIMELINE:  Each embark timeline is unique, and the daily itinerary is always subject to change. A notional timeline is listed on a separate link on the home page.
-- Guests Will be provided specific arrival information via email about two days prior to the embark.
-- In general, Guests are met at the embark location, escorted onto the base/installation, given a brief(s) about the Navy and what to expect while on the ship; then board the aircraft and depart between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.
-- Arrival to the ship is dependent upon distance from shore and ongoing operations.
-- Guests will remain overnight, observing day and night flight operations, touring the ship, and dine with the crew. Guests will depart in the afternoon between 1:00 and 3:00 pm, arriving to the Naval Air Station (usually) between 2:00 and 4:00 pm.
-- Guests should not schedule any return/departing flights until after 6:00 p.m., on the day of their return from the ship.
 
TRANSPORTATION TO / FROM EMBARK LOCATION: Guests must provide their own transportation to and from the embark location. The Navy will not reimburse any guest transportation costs, even if the embark is cancelled or changed at the last minute.
-- It is recommended that out-of-town guests lodge near the embark location the evening prior to their embark, to ensure a timely arrival to the Base/installation.
-- Guests may arrive to the embark location by taxi, or drive their vehicle. Specific arrival details will be provided via email.
-- It is also recommended that guests purchase fully-refundable/transferable airline tickets, as embarks may be cancelled or changed on short notice.
            --- For San Diego departures: Guests should plan to arrive at the Visitor Parking Lot at the Main Gate Entrance to Naval Air Station North Island on most days by 7:45 a.m. Members of the Public Affairs Staff will meet you at the parking lot. Once all participants have arrived, guests and their vehicles will be escorted onto the base to park their cars at the Air Passenger Terminal. Those arriving by taxi or are dropped off, will ride into the base in Navy vans. All guests will be taken to the Air Passenger Terminal. 
            --- For Norfolk departures:  Guests should plan to arrive at the Naval Station Tours and Information Office located at 9079 Hampton Boulevard adjacent to Gate 5 by 9:00 a.m. (or two hours prior to departure). Members of the Public Affairs staff will meet you at the parking lot. Once all guests have arrived, guests will be transported via government vehicle to a welcome brief followed by arrival at the Distinguished Visitors Lounge at the Air Passenger Terminal.  Notify a Public Affairs staff member if you require a taxi on your date of return.         
--- For Jacksonville departures: Guests should plan to arrive at the Pass & Decal office parking lot at the Yorktown Gate at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, 6331 Roosevelt Blvd, Jacksonville, FL. Turn right before the gate guard into the parking lot.  Members of the Public Affairs staff will meet you at the parking lot and assist guests to the departure gate.
 
-- Once at the muster location, the Navy will take care of guest transportation needs. –-- Military flights to the carrier are susceptible to change; so, it is essential that your cell phone information is entered onto the Navy Embark Registration Form.
-- Guests should not schedule any departing flights on the day of their return, until after 6 p.m.
 
LODGING RESERVATIONS: There are many lodging options near each embark location. The Public Affairs Staff cannot make lodging recommendations, nor assist with securing accommodations on the base/installation. Check with the local Chamber of Commerce or Department of Tourism for nearby lodging options.
 
FLYING TO THE SHIP: Upon arrival at the Air Passenger Terminal / departure location, ALL bags, purses, and cameras will be tagged with specific luggage tags provided by the Public Affairs staff.
-- All overnight bags will be taken to be pre-loaded onto the aircraft. These bags will be delivered to each guest’s stateroom upon arrival, and guests will not see those bags until the afternoon.
-- Guests will be allowed to retain/carry SMALL purses, camera bags, etc., throughout the morning, until they board the aircraft; but all bags MUST BE fully closable, so that none of the contents can fall out.
-- Guests will fly out to the ship on a Navy cargo plane. Navy aircraft are unlike commercial aircraft. There is no carpeting, panels on the wall, or overhead storage bins. Guests will not be allowed to hold any items that does not fit into a pocket during the flight.
 
There are safety concerns associated with flying to an aircraft carrier, that all guests must observe:
1) Guests WILL NOT be allowed to carry/hold any material while the aircraft is launching or landing. All carry-on items including cameras, purses, bag/satchel, or any items that do fit into a pocket will be taken when boarding the aircraft. Guests may carry these items prior to boarding, but they will be taken from the guest, as they board the aircraft for stowage until arrival at the destination. These materials will be returned upon arrival / offload of the aircraft.
2) All bags going to/from the aircraft carrier must be closable, including purses. Any material falling out of bags/purses while in flight may have the potential to cause damage to the aircraft and harm personnel.
3) Guests should ensure that nothing is carried onto the aircraft that will not fit securely into a pocket. Any material falling out of pockets while in flight or on the flight deck of the ship, has the potential to cause damage to the aircraft and harm personnel. We recommend that you only carry items in pockets that zip closed or have a closing flap.
 
RETURNING FROM THE SHIP: Return times can change depending on flight operations.
-- Plan to return to the Base/Installation late in the afternoon, on the second day of the embark.
-- Guests should return to the same terminal/location where they departed, and will be transported by Navy vehicle to where guest cars are parked, if at a different location.
-- The PAO staff can provide a phone number for local taxi service from the Base, if needed.
-- Do not schedule a commercial departing flight prior to 6:00 p.m., on the day of return.
 
FLIGHT RESTRAINT SYSTEM:
For C-2 flights, the arrested landing and catapult launch from the ship is unlike anything Guests have probably ever experienced. Guests will be restrained/held in their seats using a 4-point harness system, which includes a lap belt, and two shoulder belts. Guests will be briefed on how to properly ‘strap-in’ to the seat before taxiing the aircraft.
For CMV-22B flights, the tilt-rotor aircraft is unlike any aircraft most guests have flown. It lifts-off and lands like a helicopter. After takeoff, guests will know when the aircraft transitions from lift, to forward flight. Guest will be seated in a harness restraint system. Also know, the rear of the aircraft may remain open for much of the flight.
 
-- NOTE 1: During military aircraft flights, guests will experience multiple G-type forces during take-offs, landings, and while the aircraft is in flight. While the exposure is for a short duration of time, guests with chronic or severe, back or neck issues, should consult with their physician before participating on an arrested landing or catapult launch.
-- NOTE 2: Navy aircraft and vessels are designed for the typical age and physiological characteristics of active duty Sailors and Officers. Guests who are obese or who cannot fit into a Navy aircraft passenger seat or floatation device, with all of the safety connections properly attached, will not be allowed to participate.
 
 
 
******** VERY IMPORTANT DETAILS PLEASE READ THOROUGHLY ********
 
Guests whose arrival will be delayed, encounter any issues, or have questions prior to arrival, should call:
-- For San Diego embarks: (619) 347-3630.
-- For Norfolk embarks: (757) 836-4396           
-- For Jacksonville embarks: (904) 542-4033
 
COSTS:  Guests will be charged a small embark fee ($60 - $80) upon arrival to the ship to cover the cost of meals and other items that are provided while aboard. The actual cost will be disclosed in emails sent to each guest.
 
CASH ONLY: Please bring CASH to pay the embark fee, as checks and credit cards are NOT accepted on the ship.
-- Guests should bring additional spending money for souvenirs or snacks from the ship’s store.
-- Cashless ship / store: Even though the ship will only accept cash upon arrival, on some ships, purchases from the ship’s store can only be made using a ship-issued debit-type card.
            --- Upon arrival, guests will be given the opportunity to exchange cash to be loaded onto a debit card using a pin to make purchases from the ship’s store.
            --- If Guests do not spend all of the money on the debit-card, they will be given the opportunity to ‘cash-out’ any remaining money before returning to shore; or they can donate remaining credits to the ship’s Morale Welfare and Recreation Fund. The ship will provide information/forms when making any donations.
 
CLOTHING: Guests must wear full-length pants, long-sleeved shirts, and comfortable closed-toe shoes during their time aboard the ship. (There is a link on the home page listing what to bring and not bring.) When on the flight deck, guests must not have any exposed skin due to the danger of flying debris, which can lacerate skin. Therefore, no one wearing shorts, Capri pants, short-sleeve shirts, dresses/skirts, or high-heels will be allowed onto the flight deck to view flight operations.
 
PHYSICAL EXERTION: An aircraft carrier at sea is a physically-demanding environment.
-- Guests must be in good health and physical conditioning.
-- There are health restrictions that are strictly adhered to; so for safety, please list all medical conditions on the embark registration form.
-- Navy aircraft and vessels are designed for the typical age and physiological characteristics of active duty Sailors and Officers. Guests who are obese or greatly exceed the physical characteristics as outlined by Navy directives; or who cannot fit into a Navy aircraft passenger seat or floatation device, with all of the safety connections properly attached, will not be allowed to participate.
-- During military aircraft flights, guests may experience multiple G-type forces during take-offs, landings, and while the aircraft is in flight. While the exposure is for a short duration of time, guests with chronic or severe, back or neck issues, should consult with their physician before participating on an arrested landing or catapult launch.
-- There are no elevators for moving people on an aircraft carrier. Guests must be fully mobile and able to climb 10 stories of stairs in order to reach the Bridge and other upper-deck viewing areas. Guests will make this climb a MINIMUM of two times during an embark, and possibly more depending on flight operations and schedules.
-- Another physical shipboard obstacles unknown to most guests is ‘knee-knockers’. They are doorways, raised by 12-inches, cut into steel bulkheads (walls) located throughout the ship. Moving from bow to stern, guests will pass through dozens of these doorways requiring a ‘high step’ to clear each entry.
-- Guests who are mobility-restricted, requiring the use of crutches, canes, walking boots, or wheel chairs will not be allowed to embark.
-- Guests will be moving throughout the ship and into spaces that may need to be closed during drills or emergencies. When moving between decks, guests MAY need to pass through smaller openings between floors, known as scuttles. Scuttles are round openings that are 53-inches in circumference. For safety reasons, any guest who is unable to fit through a scuttle should not participate on an embark.
-- Embarking guests must be over age 18, and not have reached their 75th birthday prior to the embark.
 
Guests who are not physically able to overcome these obstacles should reconsider their participation. The Navy’s goal is to make this a memorable visit, and that won’t happen if a guest is physically unable to move around the ship, or spending time in the Sick Bay.




 

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