SAN DIEGO - Sailors assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) celebrated Thanksgiving, Nov. 22. Friends and family gathered for a holiday meal provided by the Chiefs Mess.
Senior Chief Aviation Electronics Technician Carlos Meza helped coordinate the meal and explained why the celebration was important for Makin Island Sailors.
“We need to remember that not everybody can go home for the holidays,” said Meza. “We have people on duty and people who just can’t make it home on Thanksgiving. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to take time to come together and be thankful for what we have.”
Volunteers from the First Class Petty Officer Association, Chiefs Mess, and Wardroom helped serve food donated from the USO. Seventy duty section personnel enjoyed the feast, and friends and family were also invited.
Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Matthew Alexander attended the celebration with his wife, and he said he has a lot to be thankful for.
“Having a celebration like this made the duty day a little more bearable,” said Alexander. “I’m thankful I got to share a meal with my family.”
Sailors went about their duties after the dinner, some standing watch and keeping a watchful eye over Makin Island through the night.