The aircraft carrier USS Nimitz welcomed Boy Scout Troop 1498, from Sequim, and two other troops, on the first community tour since the ship completed a 21-month extended incremental maintenance period at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton.

“I am an Eagle Scout and I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today if it weren’t for the experiences and lessons I learned with the Scouts,” said Capt. John Ring, Nimitz’ commanding officer, during the Scouts’ tour on Dec. 20.

Joining Troop 1498 were Troop 1460 in Port Angeles and 1506 from Tracyton.

“A lot of what you learn in the Scouts is about leadership, independence and giving back to the community,” Ring said. “Kitsap County, and beyond, has been incredibly supportive of Nimitz and her crew, as well as the Navy in general, and it is important that we show the community how appreciate we are.

“Community tours are just one way we can show our support and gratitude for our neighbors. This whole community has played a significant role in our success in regard to preparing to get underway and back to the fight, and we, as a ship, are grateful.”

While on board, the Scouts toured various spaces such as the bridge, flight deck, mess decks and hangar bays. They also got to take a look at crew living spaces.

“It’s cool being able to go inside and see everything rather than being outside and only seeing pictures,” said Dylan Washburn, 17, a Scout from Boy Scout Troop 1498.

Many in Troop 1498 had been looking forward to the tour for some time.

“I thought it would be great for our Scouts and adults to see,” said Peter Craig, Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 1498.

“We see the aircraft carriers transiting through the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the kids always say, ‘Wow! That’s a really big ship.’ I try to make a lot of our activities, besides the hiking and camping, things that can keep the boys in the Scouts. The Navy certainly has some really cool ‘wow’ factor items for that and we managed to try to a find way to partake in that through our contacts.”