Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Manvir Gill | Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Dustin Marshal, front, from Robertsdale, Alabama,...... read more read more
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USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) Sailors came together on the ship’s fo’c’sle for a ceremony to celebrate the Navy’s 246th birthday, Oct. 13, 2021.
The theme of this year's celebration is “Resilient & Ready”, which speaks to the Navy’s history of rising above the most challenging crises, and still maintaining force lethality and preparedness. During Ford’s celebration, Sailors from several associations spoke about what this year’s theme meant to them, and several other Sailors shared their individual story of entering naval service and how they believe that decision has made them better people in a better situation.
The last year, living through a global pandemic while serving aboard a Navy ship, caused the crew to face some unique challenges, but Capt. Jeremey Shamblee, Ford’s executive officer said the crew did so with strength and demonstrating resilience.
“The ‘Wolverines’ of Ford have shown incredible toughness over the course of the past year, and on the Navy’s 246th birthday, it’s something worth noting,” said Shamblee.
In 1972, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Elmo R. Zumwalt authorized official recognition of October 13 as the birthday of the U.S. Navy. Each CNO since then has encouraged fleet-wide celebrations to show appreciation of our Navy heritage and to honor the two-and-a-half-centuries worth of tradition Sailors carry on today. Part of Ford’s celebration included a ceremonial cake-cutting.
“It’s always an honor to be asked to make something for such a big event,” said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Dustin Marshall, from Robertsdale, Alabama, assigned to Ford’s supply department.
Ford and her crew were at sea for a large majority of 2020 and 2021 conducting independent steaming events in support of post-delivery test and trials, fleet and student pilot qualifications, historic full-ship shock trials and more.
“Despite being tired, fighting through COVID-19 and being at sea for the majority of an 18-month period, Ford’s crew met the full-ship shock trial challenges in earnest and received accolades for their performance from every group of evaluators,” said Shamblee.
Ford is back from sea and in port at Newport News Shipyard executing her Planned Incremental Availability (PIA), a six-month period of modernization, maintenance and repairs. And although the shipyard can come with its own challenges, Shamblee said he is confident in the crew’s abilities.
“Our Sailors have demonstrated their resilience, mental toughness and teamwork—three attributes that set U.S. Navy Sailors apart from our potential adversaries,” said Shamblee. “I could not be more proud of this crew.”
As the crew gathered in the fo’c’sle, it was not only to celebrate the Navy’s 246th birthday, but also the Ford Sailors that contribute to its legacy.
“The crew of USS Gerald R. Ford did a phenomenal job in honoring the Navy’s 246th birthday,” said Command Master Chief Bryan Davis. “We were able to hear speeches about the history of the Navy, personal stories from Sailors on why they joined, and finished with remarks from our Commanding Officer Capt. Paul Lanzilotta. It was an amazing event that brought all hands together to celebrate our past, present and future.”
| Date Taken: | 10.13.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 10.20.2021 12:35 |
| Story ID: | 407621 |
| Location: | NEWPORT NEWS, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 127 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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