Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) celebrated Independence Day while underway in the Philippine Sea.
The combined efforts of Morale, Welfare, and Recreation committee (MWR) and the First Class Petty Officer Association (FCPOA), made July 4th anything but a normal workday by helping Sailors feel a little closer to home.
Stethem had a steel beach picnic on the flight deck following which there was an open-air movie night on the flight deck. The Quartermasters hoisted signal flags reading “4th of July” and Stethem flew her battle ensign to commemorate U.S. Independence.
“Being able to celebrate our country’s independence underway with my shipmates was a unique and humbling experience,” said Fire Controlman Seaman Kameron Huit.
USS Stethem is underway with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
[mappress] Press Release, July 11, 2014; Image: Wikimedia