This is an update an the excursions of a TR Bear presented to the USS Theodore Roosevelt, an aircraft carrier in the Navy's 5th Fleet. TR Bear is a teddy bear in the likeness of President Theodore Roosevelt, who created the national refuge system in 1903, and who was the inspiration for the very first "teddy" bear.

"Teddy," the ship's TR Bear, headed overseas in mid-September for his first six-month deployment. "Teddy" is assigned as one of two ship's mascots to the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

President Theodore Roosevelt was the first President to understand the use of sea power as a vital tool in conducting foreign diplomacy. Today, his legacy lives on in the modern Navy that continues to be forward deployed and ready anytime and anywhere.

The crew of approximately 5,500 Sailors and one TR Bear left their homeport of Norfolk, Virginia, on September 19th as they headed overseas maintaining American presence in hot spots. In addition to their military duties, another important role of the Navy is acting as ambassadors of goodwill toward people of all nations.

According to Captain R. J. O'Hanlon, Commanding Officer, '*Teddy will be instrumental in our reaching out to the children of these foreign countries. I expect great things of our bear and his ability to help teach children the world over of the important contributions made by Theodore Roosevelt."

The ship will spend the early part of the cruise in the Mediterranean Sea and then head to the Arabian Gulf. "Teddy" is expected back in Norfolk in mid-March 2002.

LT John Oliveira USS Theodore Roosevelt