USS Bonhomme Richard Sailor holds 9/11 remembrance ceremony

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Gavin T Shields | 180911-N-DL434-1010 SAN DIEGO (Sept. 11, 2018) Information Systems Technician 1st Class David Cummings, left, from Rota, Spain, and Logistics Specialist 1st Class Dustin Martin, from Texarkana, Ark., both chief petty officer selectees, prepare to hoist the Union Jack during morning colors on the bow of the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6). Bonhomme Richard’s chief selectees conducted morning colors to commemorate and honor the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Bonhomme Richard is in its homeport of San Diego. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gavin Shields)  

SAN DIEGO, CA, UNITED STATES

09.11.2018

Story by Seaman Apprentice Gavin T Shields 

USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)

Sailors aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) held a remembrance ceremony honoring the 17th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Sept. 11.

The ceremony was led by the ship’s chief petty officer (CPO) selectees, with an invocation offered by Lt. David Hammond, Bonhomme Richard’s assistant command chaplain, and included words from the ship’s commanding officer, who spoke of the importance of remembering the tragic day and being ready to respond to the nation’s call.

“Today, there are many young people who only remember this day as a chapter in their history books,” said Capt. Rich LeBron, the ship’s commanding officer. “But we are charged with not just remembering, but in our profession, also paying forward the sacrifices that so many people made that day. This is why we remain ready, this is why we train, this is why we maintain and preserve our ship - to be ready to respond when called upon.”

Aviation Machinists Mate 1st Class Ruddia Moncrieffe, a CPO selectee, attributed her service and career to the nation’s response to the attacks.

“It was an honor to be able to lead this ceremony for the crew,” said Moncrieffe. “I remember seeing the warships on the news when the nation first responded to the attacks, and it made me want to join the Navy.”

Prior to the ceremony, Bonhomme Richard’s CPO selectees conducted morning colors in commemoration of those who lost their lives that day, and those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the nation since.

Bonhomme Richard is currently in its homeport of San Diego. Its mission is to embark, deploy and land elements of the Marine landing force in amphibious assault operations by aircraft, amphibious vehicles or any combination of these methods, as well as provide humanitarian assistance.

For more information about Bonhomme Richard visit www.facebook.com/ussbhr or follow on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/LHD6BHR.

• Date Taken: 09.11.2018
• Date Posted: 09.12.2018 18:23
• Story ID: 292509
• Location: SAN DIEGO, CA, US