The U.S.S. Wainwright was in active service from 1966 through 1993. The men who served on this ship selflessly worked around the clock to ensure that our ship was ready to meet any commitment required of her. The ships commitments came first for all of us when we were in service to our country. Those commitments required many of us to miss spending the holidays with our families and friends. Those holidays were always followed by a hope that better times were ahead and the belief that the ship would be home for the best holiday ever the next year.
Many of our shipmates made some effort to make the holiday away from home more bearable. The shipmates serving in the galley come to mind as they prepared a special meal, shipmates putting up Christmas decorations, or even an encouraging word at the right time from a friend could make a difference.
Those days are behind us now and hopefully you are looking forward to a celebration with your family and friends. Those days serving on the U.S.S. Wainwright made us the men we are today with an understanding of commitment and what is like to be a part of something bigger than the individual.
In the Christian and Jewish faith the celebration of the holiday is also about something bigger than the individual. In the Christian faith the holiday is about the birth of a savior to save a fallen humanity. In the Jewish faith Hanukah is the celebration of the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem. Both are celebrations of events bigger than the individual. We, as sailors, have a unique understanding of service to a bigger cause.
As you celebrate your holiday this week please keep in mind the many service men and women that are not with their family and friends this year. Pray for their comfort and safe return home.
The U.S.S. Wainwright Veteran's Association wishes you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah. We thank you for being a part of our association!
