Photo By Chief Petty Officer Ty Connors | 50704-N-NP779-039 INDIAN OCEAN (July 4, 2015) – Capt. Jeffrey Ward, commanding...... read more read more
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By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Ty C. Connors, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs
USS BONHOMME RICHARD, Indian Ocean – What would the Fourth of July be without burgers and hot dogs?
When one serves their country, they must often sacrifice holidays with loved ones, missed school plays and celebrate birthdays on duty. We cannot always trim the tree, watch the ball drop in Times Square, unwrap presents or enjoy classic American comfort food on the Fourth.
But this year, the crew of forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD6) is celebrating Independence Day in true American style.
The 4,000 Sailors and Marines on board Bonhomme Richard are throwing a “Steel Beach” Fourth of July party to bring a little bit of America far out in the Indian Ocean off the western coast of Australia.
A steel beach is a Navy tradition where the ship slows down, suspends major operations temporarily and the flight deck or weather deck of the vessel are opened to all hands. The crew gathers to soak in some sunshine and the view of the ocean far from land. They enjoy games and good food, much like Americans around the world, and take a moment from their busy schedule to reflect on how lucky we all are to be Americans.
“A Fourth of July steel beach picnic is an important part of the ship's morale,” said Katie Weisbacher, Bonhomme Richard’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation fun boss. “It helps boost crew morale by providing a reason to be outdoors, to enjoy food on the barbecue, to socialize with friends and participate in friendly contests. It allows the Sailors and Marines a chance to break from routine and celebrate our nation's Independence Day!”
The steel beach is a welcome relief for the busy crew of an American warship.
“A steel beach is a great break from routine,” said Chief Damage Controlman Kevin Christopher. “It gives Sailors something enjoyable to do different from the typical day-to-day events.”
Bonhomme Richard’s steel beach party included ladder golf, sumo suits, hula hoops, a water balloon toss, squirt gun fights and a U.S. history presentation.
Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship of the Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group, which is composed of Bonhomme Richard, the 31st MEU, the guided-missile destroyer USS Preble (DDG 88), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Green Bay (LPD 20) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48).
Happy Fourth of July from the Sailors and Marines stationed aboard Bonhomme Richard!
| Date Taken: | 07.04.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 07.04.2015 14:05 |
| Story ID: | 169072 |
| Location: | USS BONHOMME RICHARD, INDIAN OCEAN |
| Web Views: | 93 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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