USS Nimitz hosts Thanksgiving meal

YOKOSUKA, JAPAN

11.27.2014

Courtesy Story

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73)

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Bryan Mai
USS George Washington Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan – The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) hosted a Thanksgiving lunch, Nov. 27.

Since many of the Sailors are thousands of miles away from the states and are unable to celebrate with family and friends, they celebrated Thanksgiving with their shipmates.

“There’s a lot to be thankful for,” said Chief Culinary Specialist Wayne John, leading chief petty officer of the ship’s aft galley. “We’re safe, we have good food and we just came back from our deployment.”

George Washington returned from a six-month deployment Nov. 25, just in time for Thanksgiving.

“Everyone should be thankful for something,” said John. “Being able to wake up, having a job, friends and people that care about you is something that should not be taken for granted. We have the opportunity to serve our country and be ambassadors here in Japan.”

The ship prepared shrimp, roasts, and more than 20 turkeys for the meal, as well as mashed potatoes, stuffing, various desserts and more.

“I feel like Thanksgiving is the one holiday that [culinary specialists have a unique role in raising morale] because most of the Sailors aren’t home,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Brandon Dial. “In order for us to give the crew a happy Thanksgiving, we cook them a good meal and give them a taste of home.”

Families and friends dined with Sailors on the mess decks.

“Dining with guests is special and unique,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate 3rd Class Lorenzo Monson. “It shows that the command cares about us to let us bring friends and family aboard the ship to enjoy good and fresh food for Thanksgiving. It really boosts morale.”

The ship’s culinary specialists prepared an abundance of food in anticipation of the families and friends coming aboard to enjoy the meal.

“As culinary specialists, the crew is our priority, and we will do whatever is necessary to keep them happy and satisfied, especially when a lot of the Sailors are thousands of miles from family,” said John. “This time of the year, when it’s holiday season, it’s good to show the crew that we think they’re special. They’re special everyday but today, we want to make sure everyone enjoys themselves and gets into holiday spirits.”

George Washington and its embarked air wing, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5, provide a combat-ready force that protects and defends the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 11.27.2014
• Date Posted: 11.27.2014 04:05
• Story ID: 148994
• Location: YOKOSUKA, JP