PORTSMOUTH, Va. — While families across the nation gather around dinner tables to give thanks, many Sailors spend Thanksgiving away from home, separated from loved ones by duty, distance, and mission. For those serving aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (IKE), the holiday is both a reminder of sacrifice and a testament to the strength of the Navy family, a family that comes together even when home feels far away.
For many, Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season. For Sailors, however, the holiday often looks different. Long workdays, watch rotations, and operational commitments can prevent them from traveling home or celebrating in familiar ways. Recognizing this, IKE’s leadership and food service team are working to bring the warmth and comfort of Thanksgiving aboard the ship.
To help bridge the distance, Nov. 27, 2025, CVN-69 hosted a Thanksgiving celebration aboard APL-68 berthing barge, offering Sailors and their families a shared meal meant to reflect the traditions many cherish back home.
“We want the crew to know they are cared for,” said Chief Warrant Officer 2 Sylvester Jones, IKE’s food service officer. “We want to thank them for all their sacrifices, and especially recognize the Sailors who will be standing watch or working and won’t be able to spend Thanksgiving with their families.”
Jones and his team of culinary specialists prepared a full Thanksgiving spread designed to rival the joy of a home-cooked meal. The menu was abundant with common holiday foods such as turkey, ham, mac-and-cheese, and a wide variety of sweet treats.
“Thanksgiving is one of the biggest meals of the year for us,” said Jones. “It’s about more than just food, it’s about morale, appreciation, and making Sailors feel valued.”
Planning for the ship’s Thanksgiving celebration began months in advance to ensure every detail was accounted for.
“Preparation for our Thanksgiving meal started back in July,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Kourtney Reese. “This is the division’s chance to show Sailors we care about them and show off our skills in kitchen.”
Reese explained that every Sailor assigned to the S-2 Food Service Division play a pivotal role in making the event successful. From food preparation and decorating to cooking and serving, the effort is truly a team endeavor, with Sailors working long hours in the days leading up to the holiday.
The celebration also extends beyond the crew. Sailors had the opportunity to invite family members into Norfolk Naval Shipyard to share the Thanksgiving meal, strengthening the connection between the ship and the loved ones who support them from shore.
“Having my family here makes being on duty for Thanksgiving a lot easier,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Ariel Burden. “The food was also fantastic.”
For many Sailors, the opportunity to spend the holiday with both their shipmates and their families helps ease the challenges of military life, especially during periods of maintenance and preparation.
IKE is currently undergoing a Planned Incremental Availability (PIA) at Norfolk Naval Shipyard. While the ship prepares for future operations, moments like Thanksgiving serve as a reminder that the strength of the Navy lies not only in its ships and aircraft, but in the people who serve and the families who stand beside them.