Photo By Tech. Sgt. Christopher Hubenthal | U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Gregory Pruitt, Explosive Ordinance Disposal Detachment...... read more read more
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FORD ISLAND, Hawaii – Explosive Ordinance Disposal Detachment Middle Pacific divers laid the ashes of Quartermaster 2nd Class Theodore Franklin Roosevelt, a Pearl Harbor survivor, to rest in the USS Utah during an interment ceremony honoring his memory March 20.
During the ceremony Roosevelt’s family and loved ones were able to help fulfill his wish to join his shipmates aboard the USS Utah and remember his legacy and service.
According to Jim Taylor, Pearl Harbor Survivors liaison, on Dec. 7, 1941, Roosevelt was working three decks below the main deck of the Utah as the attack began and believed a training exercise was commencing when the word came down for everyone to report to their bombing stations. Later, the ship took two torpedoes forcing the crew to make their way to the main deck. With water rushing through gaping holes and open compartments the ship was unable to maintain watertight integrity and began to sink. Roosevelt survived the assault, making it ashore while evading bullet fire from the strafing aircraft.
“That morning as he made his way to his battle station and then abandoned ship, I am sure that he felt that this might be his last day on Earth but he performed his duties as he was trained,” said Capt. Lawrence Scruggs, U.S. Navy deputy commander, Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility.
After surviving the attack, Roosevelt helped support the efforts of helping with post attack duties.
“He bravely made his way topside, swam to shore, surviving the brutal strafing of his ship and the bombs falling here at Ford Island and then worked a grueling four days as he would recover the injured and the dead from Pearl Harbor and the Pacific Fleet ships,” Scruggs said.
After describing Roosevelt’s life and service Scruggs described the impact Roosevelt has on today's Navy.
“Petty Officer Roosevelt, you embody the tradition of our rich Navy,” Scruggs said. “Your life is an inspiration to us in this time of war and challenge. You have made our Navy team stronger. We stand prouder, taller and with more confidence.”
EOD MIDPAC divers swam Roosevelt’s urn to the edge of the USS Utah Memorial and dove down to the ship to lay his ashes to rest.
“It’s a huge honor,” said Chief Petty Officer Gregory Pruitt, EOD MIDPAC diver. “Not just for myself but also for the other guys in my team as well as the whole Detachment to be able to give back to those who have served before us who were actually in the face of danger and were able to live through it and come back to be able to be placed amongst their brothers on the ship. It goes beyond words to be able to help out.”
Roosevelt’s son, Theodore Steven Roosevelt, was happy to be in attendance during the fulfillment of his father’s final wish.
“I was very glad to be here and have the work of the Navy and the National Park Service bring to fruition what my dad very sincerely wanted,” Roosevelt’s son said. “I think he has come full circle in his Navy career.”
Scruggs offered final words honoring his memory.
“I stand here today to say shipmate, we have the watch,” Scruggs said. “Quartermaster 2nd Class, Theodore Franklin Roosevelt you have permission to come aboard.”
| Date Taken: | 03.20.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 03.24.2014 17:53 |
| Story ID: | 122469 |
| Location: | HONOLULU, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 369 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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