KAF Role 3 MMU celebrates 239th Navy birthday

Photo By 1st Sgt. John Etheridge | Lt. Cmdr. Mahmoud Ahmed, a psychiatrist and Navy reservist from Eau Claire, Wis., and Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Michael Rosario-Figueroa from West Palm Beach, Fla., cut a birthday cake while Sailors assigned to the Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, start their day with a ceremony celebrating the 239th birthday of the U.S. Navy held in the foyer of the hospital on Oct. 13, 2014. The oldest sailor cut the cake and passed the first piece to the youngest, signifying the passing of knowledge from old to young in the Navy. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. John Etheridge)  

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN

10.13.2014

Story by Staff Sgt. John Etheridge 

ISAF Regional Command South

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan –Sailors assigned to the Role 3 Multinational Medical Unit on Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, started their day with a ceremony held in the foyer of the hospital celebrating the 239th birthday of the U.S. Navy, Oct. 13, 2014.

The ceremony included a speech by Navy Capt. Maria Majar, the Role 3 commander, and Command Master Chief Petty Officer Shane Reese, the role 3 senior enlisted advisor.

“The United States Navy being there where it matters, when it matters, operating peacefully, underwrites the security of the U.S. and its economy,” said Majar during her speech. “Today, and for the last 239 years, the United States Navy operates around the world around the clock, defending and protecting America at all times on the world’s oceans.”

In her speech, Majar stressed the importance of the Navy’s mission safeguarding the world’s oceans, bringing justice to terrorists around the world, and providing assistance during times of humanitarian crisis. She also thanked the families and those organizations that support Sailors, enabling the Navy to accomplish its worldwide mission of defending the nation.

Reese also spoke of the importance of those that support the Navy in his speech.

“This year’s theme is ‘Giving back to those who serve us.’ We couldn’t be here today without Morale, Welfare and Recreation, Family Service centers, our spouses and all the other people who serve us,” said Reese.

“We didn’t get here by ourselves; we got here with support from everyone else. It’s very fitting that we give back to those who serve us,” he said.

Following the speeches, a ceremonial bell was rung eight times to symbolize the end of the watch for the outgoing year. Afterwards, it was rung one time to symbolize the new watch for the new year.

“One bell will strike to signal the new watch representing 240 years moving forward and also representing the history we are making here at KAF,” said the emcee of the ceremony.

Afterwards, there was a customary cake cutting performed by the oldest and youngest sailors present at the ceremony. The oldest sailor cut the cake and passed the first piece to the youngest, signifying the passing of knowledge from old to young in the Navy.

For Lt. Cmdr. Mahmoud Ahmed, a psychiatrist at the Role 3 and also the oldest Sailor at the ceremony, it is a privilege to be serving in the Navy and to be the one to cut the cake.

“I came to America from Egypt in 1982, and I was honored to become a citizen of this great country. I’m in the Navy reserves, and it’s the biggest honor I’ve had in my life. America is protecting us all and it’s an honor to be representing it,” he said.

• Date Taken: 10.13.2014
• Date Posted: 10.13.2014 12:56
• Story ID: 144973
• Location: KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, AF
• Hometown: EAU CLAIRE, WI, US
• Hometown: WEST PALM BEACH, FL, US