“Best Day of My Life”

U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

10.19.2017

Courtesy Story

15th Marine Expeditionary Unit

Story by
Mass Communications Specialist 1st class Demetrius Kennon
USS America (LHA6)

ARABIAN GULF – It was no ordinary day. Actually, it was an extraordinary day, but even more so for Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Carlos OrtizCastro from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

He was one of more than 400 Sailors and Marines from USS America who had just completed a daylong pilgrimage to Jerusalem during the ship’s port visit to Israel. While this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity moved each of the American tourists in different ways, it did not adequately prepare Ortiz for the emotional stirring he received upon leaving the city.

Just after sundown, bus-loads of service members, in a state of euphoric weariness from their four-hour ride from the ‘Holy Land,’ filed into an indoor/outdoor restaurant situated on the banks of the marveled Dead Sea. It was a welcomed break to stretch their legs, get some food and share the day’s stories with friends. Some took advantage of the proximity to the lowest place on Earth by taking a dip in the densely salted waters and covering themselves in the mineral-saturated mud that’s believed to have healing properties.

Ortiz, a Miami native, simply sat and enjoyed the atmosphere of his surroundings.

“I was just having a really great day already, and I honestly didn’t think it could get much better,” he said. “Then it did.”

At the restaurant, Ortiz was able to connect his smart phone to a wireless signal to Facetime with his wife, who was nine months pregnant with their first child. As fate would have it, he called while she was in the middle of giving birth.

“The timing couldn’t have been more perfect,” said Ortiz. “I knew she was due any day, but who would’ve guessed it would be the day I went to Jerusalem.”

Ortiz carries the same toughness that all Marines possess, but all of that was crumbling to bits as he watched the miracle transpire with glossed-over eyes in real-time through his small LED screen on the other side of the world.

As any good father would, he coached his partner through the labor from afar. At times, he was overwhelmed by the moment, but he fought the urge to turn away and not share his feeling. Marines and Sailors who worked with him offered gestures of encouragement in the form of gentle pats on his shoulder.

“It’s difficult to not be there for your family, especially in times like that,” said Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) 3rd Class Kaitlyn Meier, who had worked closely with Ortiz in the ship’s galley. “It’s just great that today’s technology allows us to stay even closer to our loved ones back home.”

Ortiz’s new baby girl was born healthy on October 8, weighing 5 pounds and 12 ounces at 19 inches long.

• Date Taken: 10.19.2017
• Date Posted: 11.22.2017 10:44
• Story ID: 256250
• Location: U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY
• Hometown: MIAMI, FL, US