Father and Daughter share a touching moment aboard the USS Wisconsin (BB 64)

Photo By Max Lonzanida | The Hampton Roads Naval Museum proudly hosted a re-enlistment aboard the USS Wisconsin (BB 64). ABE2(AW/SW) George Shaw, from the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) re-enlisted today in front of members of his command and family. Administering the Oath of Re-enlistment was his daughter, A’niylah Watson, who is enrolled in the Sea Cadet Program at the Academy of Internationl Studies at Rosemont; which is a middle school within the Norfolk Public Schools System. The museum hosts military ceremonies for area commands free of charge aboard the USS Wisconsin (BB 64) and their gallery. To inquire, contact their Special Events Coordinator at [e-mail] or at [phone]. (US Navy Photo by Max Lonzanida/Released).  

NORFOLK, VA, UNITED STATES

12.14.2018

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 outdoors by an anchor, a hangar bay, or in a conference room; when you can re-enlist on a battleship? And even better, have the re-enlistment oath given by daughter, who is enrolled in the Sea Cadet Program at the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont Middle School.

This was the case this afternoon aboard the USS Wisconsin (BB 64). In front of the iconic turret #1, which has fired countless 16 in projectiles in support of operations that span decades, ABE2(AW/SW) George K. Shaw, from the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) was discharged from his command. He was provided an opportunity to say a few words and reflect on his military service. He thanked his family for being present, and members of his command.

Thereafter, he turned to his daughter, who was standing beside him. A’niylah Watson was dressed for the occasion in her Sea Cadet uniform. Watson is also enrolled in the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont Middle School, within the Norfolk Public Schools. Before the re-enlistment, she hurriedly practiced the Oath of Re-enlistment in the gallery of the Hampton Roads Naval Museum to ensure that was able to to deliver the oath flawlessly. After her father concluded his brief remarks, she took up a position of attention in front of him.

With all eyes on her, and with a 3x5 card with the words of the Oath scribbled held up in front of her; she had her father raise his right hand. She held back a smile and tears to show her pride in doing such a monumental feat as she administered the oath and her father echoed her words. Within the course of three minutes, the ceremony was over. There was a brief round of applause, and in quick order, his three daughters, including A’niylah, rushed forward to embrace their father. This was a rare and touching moment that took place on the teakwood decks of the iconic battleship.

About the Academy of International Studies at Rosemont; a middle school within Norfolk Public Schools:

The Academy of International Studies at Rosemont focuses on World Languages, World Cultures, and Military Science. The program is designed to stimulate curiosity and love of learning while concentrating on the skills of critical and analytical thinking. It is also designed to:

Provide students with a strong academic foundation and an international perspective that promotes understanding and appreciation of other countries and their cultures;

Foster independence and responsibility, as well as encourage creativity, cooperation, and compassion;

Prepare students to live and work more effectively in a world that is becoming increasingly interdependent;

Assist students in building a sense of pride, patriotism, self-reliance, discipline, self-esteem, personal honor, integrity, confidence and other qualities which mold strong character and citizenship and;

Develop students’ strategic thinking, problem solving, and leadership skills through a study of military science.

About the USS Wisconsin (BB 64):

The USS 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: 12.14.2018
• Date Posted: 12.14.2018 16:10
• Story ID: 303723
• Location: NORFOLK, VA, US