Photo By Chief Petty Officer Jon Dasbach | Sailors aboard aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower play basketball in the hangar...... read more read more
RED SEA - Sailors aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (IKE) took a break from their daily operations to enjoy a "steel beach picnic" on IKE's flight deck to celebrate our nation's Independence Day.
IKE's Command Master Chief Bryan Exum said it was an ideal time for IKE Sailors to celebrate the national holiday and enjoy a well-deserved break.
"It is only fitting that we do this today, July 4," said Exum. "We've wanted to host steel beach picnics on IKE throughout this deployment, but with our operational schedule, it has been hard to fit them in."
"Over the past few months we worked extremely hard to support the troops on the ground in Afghanistan. Now, on the Fourth of July, we remember our nation's Independence Day, even as we have fought recently in support of those folks in Afghanistan," he added.
Airman Apprentice Andrew Soccoro, aviation boatswain's mate (handling), said July 4th is a holiday he usually spends at home.
"The fourth of July is always celebrated with fireworks and time spent at home with the family," said Soccoro. "And though my immediate family is back at home in Florida, I have another family here on the ship that I can spend the day with."
IKE's steel beach picnic included ship's departmental and embarked squadrons participation in Morale, Welfare and Recreation - sponsored Captain's Cup events, like basketball in the hangar bay and games on the mess decks; in addition to Bouncy Boxing and Golf Pro, inflatables set up near IKE's island.
Soccoro volunteered to assist with MWR functions for the day and he commented on the high spirits of the crew on the flight deck.
"We don't get to relax like this often, so everyone is in a good mood and enjoying the vibe," said Soccoro.
Exum said the steel beach picnic would not be possible without the hard work of many crew members.
"When most people think of an aircraft carrier, they don't think of the men and women who work in food service," said Exum. "Sometimes they are the unsung heroes. But, today is another example of how important their job is. We also appreciate the support of working parties, first classes, chiefs and officers who volunteered to help on the grills and setting up for these events today."
According to Exum, IKE Sailors will look back on the steel beach picnic as one of the highlights of their deployment.
"An aircraft carrier steel beach picnic is a memorable experience," said Exum. "There are some folks that will never forget this as long as they live."
The Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group is underway for a regularly scheduled deployment in support of the on-going rotation of forward-deployed forces to support Operation Enduring Freedom, maritime operations and operate in international waters across the globe.
| Date Taken: | 07.04.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 07.06.2009 01:05 |
| Story ID: | 35993 |
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| Web Views: | 425 |
| Downloads: | 247 |
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