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CVN 77 Sailors Celebrate With Birthday Meal
Story Number: NNS130427-09
4/27/2013

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Derrik Noack, USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) Public Affairs

ATLANTIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Sailors born in the month of April enjoyed a celebratory birthday meal aboard USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), April 25.

Organized by the ship's supply department, birthday meals are held aboard when George H.W. Bush is at sea and crewmembers do not have the option to go out for a nice dinner.

The meal, planned a month in advance, included shrimp cocktail, fried shrimp, grilled steak, rice pilaf, fresh garden salad, steamed broccoli, and for dessert, red velvet cake, peach cobbler and vanilla ice cream.

"First we went to the ship's personnel department to find out how many people had an April birthday," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Rudy Tabayoyong, from New York. "Once we found out how many people we would be serving, we ordered all the food and decorations we needed."

More than 120 pounds of steak and 100 pounds of shrimp were ordered for the night's honorees.

"We ordered new utensils, plates, and cups for this meal," said Chief Warrant Officer Jeffrey Walker, the ship's food service officer. "We wanted to make sure these hard-working Sailors got the VIP treatment, because their service is priceless."

Sailors were seated by chief petty officers who volunteered their time to act as waiters and waitresses for the night.

"As chiefs, we have all came up from the bottom ranks," said Chief Logistics Specialist Cherry St. Natis, from Miami. "We just want to give back, and let everyone know they are appreciated."

The meal kicked off with the ship's commanding officer, Capt. Brian E. Luther, giving a light-hearted speech describing the traits of the attendee's Zodiac signs. Cmdr. Christopher Merris, the command chaplain, then said a prayer to bless the food before everyone dug in.

"It is nice to get everyone together like this," said Damage Controlman 2nd Class Jessica Schmick, from Richmond, Va. "This made my day so much better."

In the end, the effort put in to show the crew the ship's appreciation paid off as all who attended left the meal pleased.

"The service was great," said Damage Control Seaman Ashley Otremba, from Hungry Horse, Mont. "This was totally unexpected. I'm grateful they did all this just for us."

George H.W. Bush is conducting training and carrier qualifications in the Atlantic Ocean.

For more information on USS George H.W. Bush follow the ship's fan page on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/USSGeorgeHWBush.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn77/.