“A ship is not a workplace; it is a way of life,” explains Petty Officer First Class (PO1) Curtis Penton.
PO1 Penton has been a member of the Royal Canadian Navy for 15 years, and during this time he has been deployed during the holiday season on multiple occasions.
“This has been my third time being deployed over the holiday season. I deployed onboard Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Charlottetown during OP ALTAIR 2007, second holiday deployment was with HMCS Fredericton during OP SAIPH 2009, and currently deployed onboard HMCS Halifax during OP REASSURANCE,” says Penton.
“Having multiple experiences being deployed from home never really makes the holidays any easier, but the support you get from your fellow shipmates reiterates the fact that the ship is our home away from home.”
Most homes have customs and traditions that help to both signify and celebrate important times of the year and HMCS Halifax is no different.
“A ship's crew, whenever possible, maintains the traditions and atmosphere that members would receive while at home. For instance, all the messes will join together to decorate the Christmas tree, telling stories of old while listening to their favorite Christmas classics,” explains PO1 Penton.
“Our mess dinner is always a special gathering, placing operational requirements aside for a few minutes to listen to the padre's blessing prior to devouring some delicious turkey and stuffing.”
Though the ship's crew does everything it…
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