IT is a war machine which launched almost 3,000 air strikes in the Gulf War, using 3.5 million pounds of high explosives. It has a screw of over 5,000 sailors. Yesterday, it was brought to its knees by a secret weapon that not even Saddam Hussein could have thought of the Irish weather.
Strong winds and high seas overnight had smashed a pontoon into the side of the USS John F. Kennedy aircraft carrier, holding it in two places.
It had been tied to the side of the giant carrier to help sightseers get aboard but yesterday 6,000 people had to be content with a circling ferry ride and a commentary from a US naval officer.
Their discomfort was nothing compared to that of nearly 500 crew who were forced to bed down on Carlisle Pier, Dun Laoghaire, when their ferry had to turn back from the ship in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Last night's VIP guests dined instead at the American ambassador's residence at the Phoenix Park. The kitchen staff had been told in the afternoon they would be catering for over 100 people.
Last night, Colonel Bill Torpey, the man responsible for arranging the visit, said the single "greatest" thing about yesterday was "the attitude of the Irish people".
"Our morale was found round our ankles. We were very disappointed but decided the best thing we could do was to bring people out on the ferries. After we explained I don't think there was a person who walked away. Their attitude was fantastic."
He also complimented the sailors who had slept outdoors and the people of Dun Laoghaire who had come down to offer them showers and breakfast. Colonel Torpey, who stayed up all night trying to sort out the problems, said it was an unprecedented situation, since the ports frequented by aircraft carriers usually allow the ship to dock or to anchor in calm seas.
An attempt will be made to reattach the pontoon today, with new rubber fenders attached. Three ferries are due to go to the ship this morning with US embassy employees and members of US organisations in Ireland.
But all fingers are being crossed, for tonight's Fourth of July celebrations. About 1,200 people are expected aboard, including the entire Cabinet.
All going well, Ambassador Kennedy Smith will read President Clinton's message and the Corrs will perform. Alcohol will be served on the usually "dry" ship, because the anchor has been dropped.