An Answer

Duration: 12:00

Year Published: 1963

Creator: United States Navy

Complete Record: This covers a visit by President John F. Kennedy to the 2nd fleet (the Atlantic Fleet) (Navy) and 2nd Marine Corps. Kennedy and vice president Lyndon Johnson air and amphibious exercises by the two groups in concert. The question that goes to the "answer" in the title is in Kennedy's famous quotation, "Ask not what . . . but what you can do for . . . ." "Hail to the Chief" is played. Kennedy speaks before a banner labeled "CVAN-615." There are close-ups of Kennedy and Johnson. Ambassadors and Senator Byrd (Virginia) follow the president and vice president. There are shots of the ambassadors from Honduras and an African nation. Equipment on display and operating include the Polaris submarine Thomas A. Edison, the attack carrier Forrestal, destroyers, the Enterprise (an aircraft carrier), the Cruiser North Hampton which was said "could serve as the President's mobile command post at sea" in case of war. Further: guided missile destroyers, the U. S. S. Long Beach (the 1st nuclear-powered ship), frigates, carrier helicopters, the P2V Neptune (a land-based plane), jet aircraft, the Thresher (a nuclear-powered submarine), an F4H Phanton, a 3J Vigilante. The carriers and other vehicles are said to constitute a "mobile sphere of influence." A camera within a plane shows a landing on an aircraft carrier from the pilot's point of view. A mobile review stand brings the dignitaries onto a field for an air show. An amphibious landing force is shown in operation. Temporary airstrips are shown being set up and used.