>>From: Kim Edgar Leeming (79)
Date: 9/28/01

This is an e-mail from an Ensign stationed aboard the
USS Winston Churchill...

"Dear Dad,

Well, we are still out at sea, with little direction as
to what our next priority is. The remainder of our port
visits, which were to be centered around max liberty and
goodwill to the United Kingdom, have all but been
canceled. We have spent every day since the attacks going
back and forth within imaginary boxes drawn in the ocean,
standing high security watches,and trying to make the
best of our time. It hasn't been that fun I must confess,
and to be even more honest, a lot of people are
frustrated at the fact that they either can't be home, or
we don't have more direction right now. We have seen the
articles and the photographs, and they are sickening.
Being isolated as we are, I don't think we appreciate the
full scope of what is happening back home, but we are
definitely feeling the effects.
    About two hours ago the junior officers were called
to the bridge to conduct Ship handling drills.  We were
about to do a man overboard when we got a call from the
LUTJENS(D185), a German warship that was moored ahead of
us on the pier in Plymouth, England. While in port, the
WINSTON S CHURCHILL and the LUTJENS got together for a
sports day/cookout on our fantail, and we made some
pretty good friends.
    Now at sea they called over on bridge to bridge,
requesting to pass us close up on our port side, to say
goodbye. We prepared to render them honors on the
bridgewing, and the Captain told the crew to come topside
to wish them farewell. As they were making their
approach, our Conning Officer announced through her
binoculars that they were flying an American flag. As
they came even closer, we saw that it was flying at half
mast. The bridgewing was crowded with people as the
Boatswain's Mate blew two whistles - Attention to Port -
the ship came up alongside and we saw that the entire
crew of the German ship were manning the rails, in their
dress blues. They had made up a sign that was displayed
on the side that read "We Stand By You". Needless to say
there was not a dry eye on the bridge as they stayed
alongside us for a few minutes and we cut our salutes. It
was probably the most powerful thing I have seen in my
entire life and more than a few of us fought to retain
our composure. It was a beautiful day outside today.
   We are no longer at liberty to divulge over non secure
e-mail our location, but we could not have asked for a
finer day at sea. The German Navy did an incredible thing
for this crew, and it has truly been the highest point in
the days since the attacks. It's amazing to think that
only a half-century ago things were quite different, and
to see the unity that is being demonstrated throughout
Europe and the world makes us all feel proud to be out
here doing our job. After the ship pulled away and we
prepared to begin our man overboard drills the Officer of
the Deck turned to me and said "I'm staying Navy."
    I'll write you when I know more about when I'll be
home, but for now, this is probably the best news that I
could send you.
    Love you guys."
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