Santa Has Nothing on Ship’s Master who Spreads Holiday Cheer

Courtesy Photo | SAIPAN -- Capt. Deatra Thompson, master of USNS Dahl (T-AKR 312), turns the ship into a veritable winter wonderland this time of year. It is a month-long project with new decorations being added somewhere on the ship almost every day. She likens the effort to an advent calendar. “You never know what you are going to find when you open your stateroom door.” (Photo by Deatra Thompson)  

U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

12.23.2021

Story by Leslie Hull-Ryde 

Military Sealift Command Far East

SAIPAN -- Military Sealift Command’s USNS Dahl (T-AKR 312) brings joy all year long to U.S. Armed Forces operating in the Indo-Pacific Region.

The prepositioning and seabasing ship prepositions containerized and palletized cargo, heavy equipment and vehicles throughout the region, ensuring U.S. forces have what they need, when they need it and where they need it. While this effort makes warfighters happy, knowing they have the essentials that help accomplish the mission, the master of Dahl brings smiles to her crew and community this time of year.

For several years, Capt. Deatra Thompson, master of USNS Dahl, spearheaded the collective effort of several other prepositioning ships’ crews. The contracted mariners collect, wrap and donate gifts and toys to children and mothers in the Guma Esperanza Women's Shelter in Saipan, spreading holiday cheer.

“It is hard for the crew to be away from friends and families for such long periods of time, especially over the holidays. If they can get involved in decorating the ship, the Secret Santa gift exchange, or the toy drive, it really boosts morale, and it definitely gives them something to talk to their family about,” Thompson says.

The U.S. Naval Academy Class of ‘94 alumna has a heart for making the season special, not only for members of the local community but for her crew as well. The former U.S. Navy surface warfare officer adorns every possible inch of space onboard Dahl with festive lights and decorations.

Although it’s a balmy 80 degrees in the Western Pacific in December, Thompson turns the ship into a veritable winter wonderland. It is a month-long project with new decorations being added somewhere on the ship almost every day. She likens the effort to an advent calendar.

“You never know what you are going to find when you open your stateroom door.”

Thompson says her crew works hard making sure Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine and international partners and allies have what they need all year long. Come holiday time, she wants her crew to feel at home.

“Many of the crew members are assigned to the vessel for eight or more months a year. They spend more time at sea than they do ashore and consider the Dahl their home. One of the crewmembers is a plank owner and has been serving on board since the ship was delivered more than 20 years ago,” Thompson said.

The time and energy she invests into hanging lights, stockings and wall decorations seem to pay off. Dahl’s crew members say they truly appreciate Thompson’s effort.

“Until all the decorations and lights started going up, we were having trouble getting into the spirit of the season because the warm weather is a physical disconnect,” said Dahl Second Mate Nicholas Grippo who hails from a cold-weather locale in the United States.

“The decorations are similar to what I’d see at home this time of year, and they made the holiday season seem real.”

Thompson’s festive approach has spread along the waterfront. Other Military Sealift Command crews contribute to the enjoyment by decorating their ships as well. In fact, Thompson often lends decorations to her fellow masters who help light up the area. In addition, she’s inspired other masters and crews to acquire their own decorations.

USNS Watkins (T-AKR 315), USNS Charlton (T-AKR 314) and USNS Red Cloud (T-AKR 313) – all part of Maritime Prepositioning Ships Squadron 3 – have joined the effort. These ships not only sport large illuminated Santas and sleighs, complete with reindeer, but they also have stockings for the entire crew and chair decorations for their dining areas. Red Cloud’s boatswain’s mate really got involved by building large hanging stars and trees, found now on the ship’s stern.

Thompson says the collaboration among the MPSRON 3 crews creates what she calls “Nautical Christmas Tree Lane.”

• Date Taken: 12.23.2021
• Date Posted: 12.23.2021 03:20
• Story ID: 411738
• Location: U.S. 7TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY