Photo By Chief Petty Officer Ryan Litzenberger | NEWPORT NEWS, Va., (April 8, 2016) The Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)...... read more read more
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Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 2nd Class Shaniece Soil, a leader of Ford’s gospel choir, said the group was created to bring people together to express faith through song, and find a piece of home out at sea.
“We sing praise and worship songs, get everyone in the spirit,” said Soil. “Anyone can get involved. Even if you can’t sing, you can just blend in with the choir. It’s for anyone that wants to come worship with like-minded people.”
Soil said the gospel choir is also meant to allay the weights Sailors carry throughout the day, so that despite separation from friends and family as well as daily job demands, crewmembers may still find something pleasant and familiar.
“It’s wonderful to have a piece of home on the ship, get to worship, and be a part of a joyful organization like this even while we’re underway,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Anisha Tucker. “There’s a lot of camaraderie, and it’s a style of music that feeds the soul.”
Lt. Jamal Scarlett, a chaplain aboard Ford, said the gospel choir is one of the programs that let the chapel be a personal anchorage for so many.
“Everybody has their anchors, things that ground them, and I think gospel choir has become one of those things on the ship that helps to keep people steady,” said Scarlett. “We’re a welcoming community, and we offer encouragement along life’s journey.”
Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Airman Mariann Battee, a member of the choir, shared her feelings on what makes the gospel choir so enjoyable.
“I feel great when I’m singing with the choir,” said Battee. “Being able to share the experience with other people, being around those with the same interests and beliefs, it’s a warm feeling. It gives you a break from everything while you’re underway. Even if you just come to listen, it can still help you feel at peace.”
Scarlett said experiences like Tucker’s and Battee’s are what makes the gospel choir an asset to the crew.
“When everyone’s on the ship, underway, it can create an opportunity for everyone to come together in a unique way,” said Scarlett. “Sometimes people have to create a home away from home. People come together to sing uplifting songs and find encouragement, and ultimately help Sailors stay focused on the mission.”
Scarlett believes the gospel choir is a positive force in setting the direction for the ministry of the Navy’s newest carrier.
“It’s meant a lot to me to see it come together,” said Scarlett. “I chose to come to Ford because this is a place where we have the opportunity to shape and mold a new ministry. It’s a blessing to be a part of it. I’ve actually spent the last 12 years in worship teams and gospel choirs, so coming to the ship and being able to utilize that experience here has, for the last year, really been one of my greatest joys.”
Soil encourages anyone interested to attend a rehearsal or worship service.
“If you have a musical gift, please come and share that talent. Come praise, worship, and have a good time with us. It’s our church away from home. Being a part of a gospel choir is like being a part of a family.”
| Date Taken: | 10.02.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 11.13.2017 10:30 |
| Story ID: | 255085 |
| Location: | NORFOLK, VIRGINIA, US |
| Web Views: | 20 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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