Forward Operating Base Farah Celebrates Navy Birthday

FORWARD OPERATING BASE FARAH, AFGHANISTAN

10.13.2010

Story by 2nd Lt. Christine Darius 

Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah

Sailors assigned to Provincial Reconstruction Team Farah celebrated the United States Navy’s 235th birthday by cooking and serving a feast to their fellow service members on Forward Operating Base Farah in Afghanistan, Oct. 13.

Navy chiefs and first class petty officers organized the dinner as an attempt to carry out proud traditions and honor the many sacrifices made since the birth of the Navy, Oct. 13, 1775.

“It’s the Navy’s birthday, and every year the chiefs and other members of leadership try to bring a little heritage to our fellow sailors,” said Chief Petty Officer Michael Baum of Amherst, N.H., PRT Farah Information Technology Chief, “We serve food to our people as a little way of giving back to them for what they do for us and this country all year.”

Continental congress voted to outfit two sailing vessels and two crews of men on a three month cruise to intercept transports carrying munitions to the British army in America 235 years ago. The legislative act occurred on Oct 13th and now constitutes the birth of the U.S. Navy.

“It’s tradition on Navy ships for the chiefs to come out and interact with the entire command,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Robert Smith of Dallas, Texas, PRT Farah Culinary Specialist. “I think it’s great that the chiefs decided to carry out the tradition here in Farah, in an Army dominated environment; it’s an opportunity to show our fellow service members how the Navy does things.”

The Navy chiefs and petty officers collaborated efforts to cook a feast for the entire FOB. As service members and civilian agencies filed in a single line wrapping around the building, the scents of grilled crabs, lobster, steak, shrimp, corn, potatoes and rice filled the Dining facility. On FOB Farah the familiar scents brought a sense of home to many, and caused sailors to reflect on their service.

“I’m honored to do my small part in the larger picture. The PRT’s mission is worthwhile, not only are we defending our country, but we have the opportunity to improve Afghanistan’s infrastructure and governance,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Brent Meserve of Plymouth, N.H., PRT Farah Supply non-commissioned officer in charge.

• Date Taken: 10.13.2010
• Date Posted: 10.13.2010 15:16
• Story ID: 58035
• Location: FORWARD OPERATING BASE FARAH, AF