Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Amber Weingart | Lt. Col. James B. Cooksey, commanding officer of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron...... read more read more
Story by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Amber Porter, VP-9 Public Affairs
HONOLULU - Sailors and Marines assigned to Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron (MALS) 24 and their guests celebrated the Marine Corps and the Navy’s 239th birthdays at the Honolulu Convention Center Oct. 24.
The guest speaker, Rear Adm. Robert P. Girrier, deputy commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, used a slideshow photo collage to showcase the importance of what the MALS-24 Navy and Marine Corps team does every day to support the global defense of the nation.
“The story I’m going to show and tell tonight is your story. Our story,” said Girrier.
Girrier used his presentation to show the 750 attendees what the "Warriors" of MALS-24 do to support the protection and defense of the Pacific maritime interests of the Unites States and our allies.
“I loved seeing the slideshow presentation,” said Aviation Technician 3rd Class Julia Lawrence. “It's easy to forget sometimes why we volunteered to be here, why we do what we do, but seeing us at work and hearing about our contribution to the military strengthens my commitment to and pride in the Navy.”
Planning for the event took great care and consideration,” said Cmdr. Kristen Herr-Garrett, executive officer of MALS-24. "The command used the drill manual and then some creativity on how they could best blend the Navy and Marine Corps’ birthday customs. This is the third year running that Sailors and Marines in the command have collaborated to put together a birthday celebration that integrates both branches’ traditions and builds up camaraderie and esprit de corps within the unit.”
“I appreciate that the command chooses to host the celebration as a joint branch event, because it fosters a spirit of inclusion and helps strengthen our team,” said Aviation Technician 3rd Class Jennifer Barrett. “There tends to be a natural division between Sailors and Marines and the command goes to great lengths to keep that gap as small as possible.”
Marines and Sailors stood side-by-side as the ceremonial cake, half-lined in blue frosting and half-lined in red, was paraded proudly to the front of the banquet hall. The oldest and youngest Sailor, as well as the oldest and youngest Marine, marched up to the front, where they each participated in the traditional cake-cutting ceremony.
In Navy custom, the cake cutting is performed by the oldest and youngest Sailor in attendance. For Marines, an important part of the ceremony is the passing of the first piece of cake from senior to junior Marines. Both traditions share the meaning as a symbolic gesture of the passing of experience and knowledge.
“As a participant, I feel humbled,” said Chief Warrant Officer 3 Ronnie Faustino, the oldest Sailor for the traditional cake cutting ceremony. “Passing the cake to the youngest Sailor was priceless. I took it as passing our customs and traditions to our new generation.”
Also passed along was the practice of traditional military drills and performance. Lawrence said she gained a deeper appreciation for the art of marching. She said that Sailors and Marines were taught the meaning of discipline, pride and presentation through daily rehearsal leading up to the event.
“Being part of a dual ceremony has been a unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience for me,” said Gunnery Sgt. Marshall Rojas, MALS-24 Squadron gunnery sergeant. “Every day after practice, I would gather all the Marines and Sailors to critique them on their sword manual and drill. On the day of our Ball, I made sure they knew that this may be the one and only time they will ever stand as one unit to participate and celebrate our services’ birthdays together.”
In his closing statement, Girrier captured the spirit of the unified command, saying, “Our nation is strong because of the men and women who volunteer to serve and protect. Men and women like each of you.”
| Date Taken: | 11.12.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 11.12.2014 20:09 |
| Story ID: | 147657 |
| Location: | HONOLULU, HI, US |
| Web Views: | 553 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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