Trucks are arriving, cranes are cranking and crews are preparing the flight deck of the USS Carl Vinson for an event that is now just one week away, the inaugural Carrier Classic men's college basketball game, on Veterans Day.
President Obama is expected for the game between the top-ranked University of North Carolina team and Michigan State University. The USS Vinson crew is feeling the anticipation, judging from the ship's Facebook page.
If you're a Los Angeles Lakers fan, the game also will draw two notable alums from the team and from the universities: Magic Johnson, of Mighigan State and James Worthy, of North Carolina, who will serve as honorary team captains.
Slight sad note: Worthy took over his slot from superstar Michael Jordan, who backed out, claiming a conflict.
Seating is limited on the ship, but 1,500 tickets have been released to the Navy, including 700 tickets to USS Vinson sailors, according to Senior Chief Petty Officer Dave Nagle.
ESPN will broadcast the match-up. For those who aren't lucky enough to snag a ticket (or particularly interested in college basketball), but are intrigued by the novelty of a carrier hosting such an event: in all likelihood the court will be visible from San Diego Bay, Nagle said.
A good vantage point, perhaps? The USS Midway, now a museum, which by the way, will offer free admission to veterans on Veterans Day.
The Vinson drew attention this year during . The ship returned to Coronado in June, a month after its brush with history.
