USS Monterey Calebrates Father’s Day

The crew of the guided-missile cruiser USS Monterey (CG 61) celebrated Father’s Day while underway in the Persian Gulf (also known as the Arabian Gulf), June 14.
Preparations for the event began over a month earlier when Monterey’s Family Readiness Group (FRG) met to create a banner to send to the ship. On the banner, family members wrote Father’s Day messages, posted pictures and created handprints to send to their loved ones.

“When the banner arrived I opened it up to get the dimensions so that I could find an appropriate place to display it when the time came,” said Master Chief Lawrence Linton, the ship’s command master chief. “It gave me a great feeling knowing that this would lift the spirits of the dads on board the ship. It really makes my day when I can see a huge, genuine smile on a Sailor’s face.”

Yeoman 1st Class James Chaney was excited to see a message from his fiance.

“I was surprised to see her message,” said Chaney. “It took me a moment to find it, but it made me very happy. It’s a great feeling knowing that someone back home cares for you.”

On June 14, the ship’s officers hosted a steel beach picnic for the crew in recognition of Father’s Day. While the wardroom cooked and served barbecued steaks, bratwurst and chicken, members of the crew fished, played games and relaxed.

“The steel beach picnic was a huge success and a great way to show our appreciation to all fathers on board,” said Lt. Andrew Lundgren, the ship’s supply officer. “It was also a great morale boost for the crew. It gave everyone a chance to unwind and take their minds off work.”

Press Release, June 17, 2013; Image: Wikimedia