The shock of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 is a feeling that many USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Sailors have not forgotten. When those tragic attacks on American soil occurred on that fateful day, a wave of emotion swept the country. "I was in school in Alaska, and our principal came in and announced what had happened in New York," said Storekeeper Seaman Harlin Esmailka. "I was shocked, but I also felt more patriotic than ever. The shock Esmailka felt was not uncommon. After the attacks, a wave of new enlistments into the U.S. Armed Forces and displays of patriotic sentiments showed the world that Americans would unite as a people during tragedy. "I knew when the attacks happened that I would serve one day," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Patrick Cademas.