Making phone calls at sea is a luxury that links Sailors to the life they left back home. The calls boost morale and keep Sailors in touch with their families. It is much less common, however, to receive phone calls at sea.

This holiday season, one Sailor aboard aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) answered a very unusual phone call.

"I woke up one day and I had a call from the White House," said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class R. Canady, weapons department G-3 leading petty officer. "They told me the president was going to call in two days."

Canady received a phone call from his Commander in Chief, President Barack Obama, in celebration of the holiday season, Dec. 25.

Master Chief Aviation Ordnanceman V. Almodovar, weapons department leading chief petty officer, submitted Canady's name to the White House to show appreciation for his work within the department.

"He was runner up for Sailor of the Year and the number two early promote for the command," said Almodovar. "When an opportunity came up to submit names for people to be called by the president, I submitted his name. He earned it through his work ethic and his achievements. He ran three divisions for us and he's moving up the chain. He's done good things."

During the call, the president and Canady discussed different topics ranging from life at home to the mission at sea.

"First, he asked me how my family was doing, how my kids are, then he asked me how the Sailors around me are doing," said Canady. "I told him everything was OK because G-3 division is like a big family. President Obama thanked me for all that I do and wanted to make sure we're doing things safely and right the first time. He said he knew we work with weapons and, depending on what is going on in the world, we could possibly be dropping ordnance, so he wanted us to stay safe out here. I told him we're getting the mission completed."

The president went on to show his appreciation for Truman's Sailors and wished them all a safe and happy holiday and a successful deployment.

Almodovar said the president's call underscores Canady's strong standing in weapons department and makes him an example for others to follow.

"It brings a lot of pride into the department," said Almodovar. "His achievements as a first class and as a leader earned respect from junior and senior Sailors, alike. A phone call from the president just adds to the list."

For Canady, the phone call is a memory he won't soon forget.

"Right now I'm feeling honored because I got a phone call from the president. He took time out of his day to wish me a me a Merry Christmas and tell me how thankful he is of me for serving in the military. To me, it's a big deal to get a personal call from the president. It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I'm very thankful."

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/.