Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) held a time honored ceremony for departing crew members June 27.

The "boot shoot" ceremony is typically held for officers known as "shooters", whose primary focus is controlling departing aircraft. Sailors mark their last day underway by launching
their boots off the catapults of the ship.

Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 1st Class James Kopf received a unique opportunity to participate in this ceremony.

"This is something that hasn't been done in the past," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) Fabian Bohorquez. "With his level of performance and his reputation in the department, the chain of command fully supported the request."

After 20 years of service across multiple carriers, Kopf said it's not easy retiring to leave all the hard work to the Aviation Boatswain's Mates to come after him.

"It feels good just to have this opportunity to do such a rare thing," said Kopf. "It's going to be bittersweet when it's time to go."

Seeing off an enlisted Sailor and an officer, who is second only to the head of Air Department, speaks to Theodore Roosevelt's appreciation for all of Air Department.

"It's awesome. It's the end of my two years on board, and while I was never a shooter, I worked with them for two years," said Cmdr. Dennis Metz. "This ceremony is inherently theirs, but we take pride in working together. It was a perfect ending to this tour for me."

Theodore Roosevelt is currently underway participating in fleet replacement squadron carrier qualifications.



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