The occasion was a part of the continued White Home initiative Becoming a member of Forces, to assist army households, in accordance with the primary woman. The Robert J. Irvine Basis has been an in depth ally, because the occasion marked the third time the 2 have teamed as much as honor and assist army households.
Gerald R. Ford Service Strike Group deployed on Could 2, 2023 and Dwight D. Eisenhower Service Strike Group deployed on Oct. 14, 2023. Each service strike teams are deployed to the U.S. sixth and U.S. fifth Fleets through the Thanksgiving vacation.
Irvine mentioned the mission of the Robert J. Irvine Basis just isn’t solely to supply assist to veterans, however to lift public consciousness of all of the array of efforts and sacrifices made in protection of freedom.
“This Friendsgiving, I need to specific my gratitude for all of you, particularly these aboard the Eisenhower and the Ford ahead deployed,” mentioned Irvine. “For our army volunteer cooks who’ve helped my crew put together at present’s meal, for the hospitality of america President Biden and the First Girl Dr. Jill Biden, and for the privilege to name myself a citizen of this nice nation. Thanks and God bless you all.”
A Dwight D. Eisenhower army partner Sibrena Sears, spouse of Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Launch/Restoration) Shannon Sears, and mom of 5, spoke in regards to the significance of getting a army group earlier than introducing President Biden.
“I’m one of many many individuals whose partner deployed on the Eisenhower,” mentioned Sears. “Earlier than changing into a army partner, I used to be lively obligation and earlier than then I used to be a Navy ‘brat.’ I can say that I’ve skilled this life from each perspective … being away from household just isn’t simple, however one factor that I can say that makes it simpler is that this army group and occasions like these that assist carry us to collectively, and tell us that we’re not forgotten, and we’re nonetheless vital.”
The commander in chief expressed immense gratitude to the service members and their households and heaped a lot reward on the U.S. Navy.
“We solely have one really sacred obligation, and that’s to arrange those that we ship into hurt’s manner, take care of them and their households after they come house, and to verify they’re by no means forgotten,” he mentioned. “All over the place I’m going in my profession nobody misunderstands that we’ve got the best army on this planet. It’s not simply due to our preventing potential, however the way in which you dedicate your lives … Thanks, thanks, thanks.”
The commander in chief and first woman served visitors, then put their give attention to participating with service members and households tableside earlier than departing for the night. The meal was supplied by the Robert Irvine Basis and was ready by its employees alongside active-duty Sailors on the naval station.
“It was really an honor to host Friendsgiving at Naval Station Norfolk,” mentioned Capt. Janet Days, commanding officer, Naval Station Norfolk. “This was a tremendous alternative for all of the Sailors and relations all through Hampton Roads who participated! What an effective way to kick off the vacation season!”
The transformation of the HM-15 hangar into an upscale eating facility in solely a matter of days required many fingers of volunteers, particularly these assigned to the HM-15 squadron.
“What an absolute privilege and honor it was to host the president and first woman and their crew,” mentioned Cmdr. Andrew Countiss, HM-15 Commanding Officer. “The MH-53E ‘Sea Dragon’ helicopter was middle stage at present. HM-15 actually stepped up and was in a position to showcase the nice abilities and plenty of contributions of everyone within the squadron. This was a really humbling expertise.”
Yeoman third Class Reyna Bautista-Martinez and Aviation Structural Mechanic third Class Jazmin Gabilanes, each assigned to HM-15, volunteered to assist arrange for Friendsgiving and expressed real pleasure to be part of the memorable occasion.
“I by no means thought I’d be capable of meet the president,” mentioned Gabilanes. “Once I heard he was coming right here, I used to be ready for somebody to ask for volunteers. I actually wished to fulfill him.”
Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, Commander, Naval Air Pressure Atlantic, who represents all of east coast plane carriers and squadrons, emphasised that particular occasions like Friendsgiving give attention to not simply our Sailors deployed abroad, however the households sustaining the family again on the house entrance.
“It’s humbling to play a component in thanking the courageous women and men who put on our nation’s uniform and uphold their dedication to the structure, and their households who sacrifice in order that their family members might serve,” mentioned Verissimo. “It’s an absolute honor to welcome the commander in chief, the primary woman and Chef Irvine right here, and I do know that the households of the Gerald R. Ford and Dwight D. Eisenhower Strike Teams respect this act of giving through the vacation.”
Additionally in attendance was Adm. Daryl Caudle, Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; Fleet Grasp Chief John Perryman, Fleet Grasp Chief, U.S. Fleet Forces Command; Rear Adm. David Patchell, Vice Commander, U.S. Second Fleet, Canadian Navy; and Rear Adm. Michael Sciretta, Director Maritime Operations, U.S. Fleet Forces Command.
