Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, CA.
USS Constellation wheel
Artifact ID1988.90736.01
Object Type
Wheel, Steering
Date
August 20, 1981
Medium
Wood, Metal (brass)
Dimensions26 in. (66 cm)
Physical DescriptionA wooden ship's wheel with a round brass plaque in the center with a raised relief of the insignia of the USS Constellation (CV-64): a frigate, an aircraft carrier, a plane, and missiles, lettered "1797-1961" and surrounded by stars. At the bottom ring of the wheel is a brass plaque engraved "'PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES RONALD REAGAN 20 AUGUST 1981 USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64)."Historical NotePresident Ronald Reagan visited the USS Constellation (CV-64) on August 20, 1981 when it was off the coast of California. The President arrived at the Constellation via Marine One, where he was met by CAPT Dennis M. Brooks, Commanding Officer, and CAPT William Carlson, Chief of Staff, Carrier Group Seven. The President, escorted by CAPT Brooks, proceeded to the flag bridge where he was presented with a USS Constellation jacket and cap. He then entered the navigation bridge and spoke to the crew via the ship's public address system. He said, "This ship represents a powerful force in an uncertain world, and we all sleep a little better at night knowing that you're on duty. Everything we as Americans hold dear is safer because of what all of you are doing... I look forward to meeting you and getting to know more about the job that you're doing. After all, this is quite an experience for an ex-horse cavalryman. So, I wish all aboard 'a good Connie day.'"
During the Reagan Administration the wheel was on display in the Military Office.
Additional Details
Custodial History NoteThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Ronald Reagan during the Reagan administration. It was received through the Executive Office of the President Office of Correspondence and was on display in the White House until its transfer to the National Archives in January, 1989 for deposit with the Reagan Presidential Library.
National Archives Catalog CollectionRecords of the White House Gift Unit (Reagan Administration) (National Archives Identifier 6816362) and
National Archives Catalog SeriesGifts from the General Public (National Archives Identifier 6816363)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestricted
Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
Exhibition HistoryWhite House-Military Office (Reagan Administration)