Twelve Sailors from Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center (ECRC) reenlisted aboard decommissioned battleship, USS Wisconsin (BB-64), Jan. 4 as shipmates, family members, and friends looked on.

Sailors ranging in rank from petty officer second class to master chief petty officer signed on to extend their service in the Navy. The unusual locale for the ceremony made for a memorable experience for the participants and attendees.

"An unforgettable experience desired and achieved," said Chief Information Systems Technician Jessica Curtis who reenlisted. The ceremony was held on the main deck just underneath the battleship's gun turrets.

"We are what the Navy is," said Capt. Joseph Rehak, ECRC's commanding officer, after administering the oath of reenlistment. "I am honored to lead such great Sailors, and even more proud that they are choosing to stay Navy."

"It feels nice to go out with a bang," said Command Master Chief Randy Watson, as the ceremony marked his final enlistment.

Wisconsin was launched Dec. 7, 1943, and commissioned April 16, 1944. She was recommissioned for Korean War service and subsequently decommissioned in 1991 after serving in Operation Desert Storm. Wisconsin earned five battle stars for her World War II service and one for Korea.

ECRC provides processing, equipping, training, certification and proactive family support to active duty for special work (ADSW) Sailors, individual augmentees, and provisional units throughout all deployment phases in support of combatant command (COCOM) requirements, contingency operations, or national crises.

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For more news from Expeditionary Combat Readiness Center, visit http://www.navy.mil/.