Re-enlistment is a family affair aboard the U.S.S Wisconsin (BB-64)

Photo By Max Lonzanida | MA2(SW/AW) Justin Hastings, from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) re-enlisted today aboard the USS Wisconsin (BB-64) in front of members of his family and his command. His father, Lieutenant Commander Todd Hastings, from NORAD/US Northern Command, was the re-enlisting officer. The Wisconsin is one of four Iowa-Class Battleships, and she is moored permanently next to the Hampton Roads Naval Museum as a museum ship. The re-enlistment ceremony was hosted by the museum; which coordinates the use of the ship for military ceremonies free of charge for area commands. The museum is one of ten museums within the Naval History and Heritage Command. To inquire about setting up a military ceremony aboard the USS Wisconsin or in the museum’s gallery, contact their Special Events Coordinator, Tom Dandes at [e-mail] or at [phone]. Note: Images submitted to DVIDS (Defense Visual Information Distribution Service) are available for the public to download and utilize without cost. If this image appears on a commercial site that charges a fee to download, you can avert this by going to www.Dvidshub.net, and search for the associated image under our command, Naval History & Heritage Command, where the high resolution image is available without cost. (US Navy Photo by Civilian Public Affairs Officer Max Lonzanida/Released)  

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

10.03.2018

Story by Max Lonzanida  

Naval History and Heritage Command

For centuries service men and women have answered the call of duty in national defense. Nothing so solemnly affirms one’s commitment to that duty better than the enlistment oath of office. This is according to the U.S Navy’s Military Personnel Manual (MILPERSMAN) 1160-20. But aside from that, why settle for a re-enlistment ceremony in an office cubicle or a hangar bay; when you can re-enlist on a battleship? And even better, have the re-enlistment oath given by your father.

This was the case this afternoon aboard the U.S.S Wisconsin (BB-64). In front of the iconic turret #1, which has fired countless 16 inch projectiles in support of operations that span decades; MA2(SW/AW) Justin Hastings from the U.S.S Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69), was honorably discharged first. He glanced quickly at the gangway leading to the ship as if to make a run for it, and then said a few words regarding his service in the U.S Navy. Under the intermittent shade of the towering gun barrels, he then raised his right hand and took the Oath of re-enlistment. Administering the Oath and serving as the re-enlisting officer was his father, Lieutenant Commander Todd Hastings from NORAD/US Northern Command. Museum Educator, Zach Smyers, picked up on the connection while watching the re-enlistment; and many in the re-enlisting party conveyed their gratitude to Smyers and the Hampton Roads Naval museum for hosting the ceremony. This was a rare but touching opportunity for those present, including members of the public who were aboard watching the ceremony.

The USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) is the second ship in the Nimitz-Class of nuclear powered aircraft carriers. She is named for the 34th President of the United States. She is the flagship for the Commander, Carrier Strike Group Ten (CSG 10), and home ported at Naval Station Norfolk. The U.S.S Wisconsin (BB-64) is an Iowa-Class Battleship that was first commissioned on April 16, 1944. She was finally decommissioned in on September 30, 1991 and struck from the Naval Register on March 17, 2006. She is moored permanently as a museum ship adjacent to the Hampton Roads Naval Museum in Downtown Norfolk, Virginia.

About the Museum:

The Hampton Roads Naval Museum is one of ten Navy museums that are operated by the Naval History & Heritage Command. It celebrates the long history of the U.S. Navy in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia and is co-located with Nauticus in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. Admission to the museum is free, simply by-pass the ticket line and take the stairs or elevator to the museum on the second deck. The museum hosts a robust educational program for area schools and commands, with free educational programs to area schools aligned with state curriculum standards, a travelling sea chest program, a premier Lego outreach program, and historical presentations for area commands. To inquire, contact their Educational Director, Laura Orr at [e-mail] or at [phone]. The museum is also host to a robust volunteer corps, who serve as docents, support special events, and assist in museum archives. To inquire, contact their Volunteer Coordinator, Darcy Sink at [e-mail] or at [phone]. Lastly the museum proudly hosts military ceremonies, such as re-enlistments, retirements, and promotions for area commands aboard the U.S.S Wisconsin and in the museum’s gallery. To inquire, contact their special events coordinator, Tom Dandes at [e-mail] or call [phone].

• Date Taken: 10.03.2018
• Date Posted: 10.04.2018 10:24
• Story ID: 295392
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US