Gary Evans, President and CEO of San Diego-based Bank of Internet USA was part of a small group of executives invited to witness the United States Navy in action onboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.

The group was welcomed by Vice Admiral John B. Nathman, 39th Commander of the Naval Air Force Pacific Fleet-Vice Admiral Nathman is responsible for the world's largest Naval air force, which includes 6 aircraft carriers, more than 800 aircraft, 5 Airwings, and 50,000 sailors and civilians-and aboard ship by Captain Douglas Dupouy, Commanding Officer of the USS Abraham Lincoln.

The guests observed a battle group preparing for deployment to the Gulf, met with the crew of the Abraham Lincoln, and were given a first-hand tour of the aircraft carrier. "The recent Presidential budget support for the military is long overdue, and very necessary in order to protect our freedom." Said Evans. "If all Americans could have the opportunity to observe Captain Dupouy and his crew in action, financial support of their operations would not be questioned by Congress."

"It's a very high risk environment and we were all very saddened by the loss of one of the crew members during our visit and extremely impressed by the calm professionalism of the crew and officers during this incident." Said Evans. "The United States can be very proud of these young men and women and their leaders."

The USS Abraham Lincoln set sail on its maiden (Westpac) deployment on May 28th, 1991 in response to Operation Desert Storm. En-route to the Indian Ocean the aircraft carrier was diverted to support evacuation operations in the Philippines. Known as Operation Fiery Vigil, the evacuation was the largest peacetime evacuation of active-duty military and family members in history.

"Its like a floating city." said Evans. "There are over 5,000 crew members, and every day more than 20,000 meals are served, 5,550 lb of dirty laundry is washed, and 250 haircuts are given. There are 1,900 shipboard telephones and more than 900 miles of cable and wiring-the statistics are incredible."

Evans expressed his thanks and appreciation to Vice Admiral Nathman and Captain Dupouy and his crew for their hospitality and courtesy during his visit, and for their service to our country.

Bank of Internet, USA is a member of the Association of Military Banks. For more information visit www.bankofinternet.com