“Big Stick” Heads to Sea

We love this picture, but it took a while for the Navy to give us permission to publish it. It shows the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt leaving Pearl Harbor in November 2015, piloted by harbor pilot Captain Jason Stephens and escorted by Tiger Tug 2. The ship’s nickname, “Big Stick,” refers to President Roosevelt’s quote, “Walk softly and carry a big stick.” Getting the ship safely off the pier, turned around and out to sea is a coordinated effort between the harbor pilot stationed on the ship and the tug operators. Stephens says, “Once the ship is making way, the tugs escort to provide support, if needed, while the pilot works with the ship’s captain by recommending courses and speeds based on the pilot’s expertise in local knowledge.”

Time: Tuesday, 10:31 a.m.
Location: Pearl Harbor
Photographer:  Twain Newhart