Most people find it hard to be away from friends and family during the holidays. Although Petty Officer First Class Jeff Carter is no exception, he noted that being “at sea and away from home brings out the camaraderie of the ship's company and provides a much-needed relaxing break from the operational routine,” said the Naval Communicator.
“One of the great customs of the Navy is the Junior Ranks Christmas Dinner. The Chiefs and Petty Officers, as well as the Officers, decorate the Junior Ranks' dining area and serve them as a way of saying thank you for all they have done throughout the year,” explained PO1 Carter.
“The tradition also has the youngest sailor exchange rank and position with the Commanding Officer.”
As is tradition, the new ‘Commanding Officer' presides over the festivities and the new ‘Ordinary Seaman' serves them their meal prior to anyone else being served.
Though the crew's thoughts are with their families back home, the focus is on each other in the ship.
“For many, this is their first time being away from their significant others or children during the holidays. For others, it is a change in routine that they need to adapt to. But the crew are amongst some of the best people they will meet in their lifetimes, and many they may not see again throughout their careers,” said Carter.
“Helping people focus on this and the fact that the mission that they are on is assisting in providing a more peaceful world goes a long…
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