JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 21-year-old crew member from the USS Carl Vinson who returned to the Jacksonville airport Sunday morning was connected to a historic event during his deployment
There isn't much Richie Rudd is allowed to say about his experience on the ship where Osama bin Laden's body was brought after the raid in Pakistan. Rudd admits he and his fellow sailors realize they were part of something special.
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On May 2, the body of the world's most wanted man was brought on board. It was there that officials performed religious rites and then buried the al Qeida leader in the Arabian Sea.
Rudd was assigned to the San Diego-based aircraft carrier repairing helicopters.
Rudd's father is a former Navy man and knows his son can't talk about the mission or the close encounter with bin Laden's body. He said his son is one of thousands doing what it takes to keep America safe.
"You know those guys are just out there doing what they're asked to do. Taking care of the freedom, and making sure that we can be out here doing the things we do. There's still more to do out there, and people like him are getting it done," he said.
Richie Rudd will be home for a few days. Next week, he'll head back to his base in San Diego.
The Carl Vinson launched 31 years ago and has spent time all over the world, but after what happened aboard the ship off the coast of Pakistan last month, the carrier will always be connected to bin Laden.