Baptism aboard USS Stethem

Courtesy Photo | apt. Mil Yi, Navy Region Japan Chaplain, baptizes the son of Lt. Cmdr. Maryann Stampfli and Lt. Nick Stampfli aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63). Conducting baptisms aboard Navy ships is a tradition that dates back several hundred years to its origins in the British Royal Navy, where baptisms were carried out in foreign ports or for infants born at sea. Stethem is forward deployed to the 7th Fleet area or responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Rebecca Speer/Released)  

YOKOSUKA, AICHI, JAPAN

05.31.2014

Courtesy Story

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)

By Ensign Rebecca Speer, USS Stethem Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan – Honoring one of the Navy’s oldest traditions, Oliver Stampfli was baptized aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Stethem (DDG 63) May 31.

Capt. Mil Yi, Navy Region Japan chaplain, baptized Oliver, son of Lt. Cmdr. Maryann Stampfli, Stethem’s former Navigator, and her husband Lt. Nick Stampfli, using the ship’s bell on the forecastle.

During the ceremony Chaplain Yi emphasized the importance of tradition both in the Navy and in the history of the United States.

“Our country is based on faith and you keep a faith-based country through traditions,” said Yi.

He believes that performing baptisms in a ship’s bell is important in keeping the tradition alive.

“Baptisms bring family and Sailors together” stated Chaplain Yi after performing his third infant baptism.

This statement held true for Oliver’s baptism as it was attended by family, friends, and shipmates of the Stampflis.

After the ceremony the Oliver’s name was engraved inside the bell making him part of Stethem’s legacy. The ship’s bell remains with a ship throughout its entire commissioned service creating an enduring bond between Stethem and Oliver.

Conducting baptisms aboard Navy ships is a tradition that dates back several hundred years to its origins in the British Royal Navy, where baptisms were carried out in foreign ports or for infants born at sea. The ship’s bell is traditionally used as the christening bowl, upturned and filled with water for the ceremony.

Stethem is forward deployed to the 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region.

• Date Taken: 05.31.2014
• Date Posted: 06.03.2014 05:50
• Story ID: 131888
• Location: YOKOSUKA, AICHI, JP