More than 800 Sailors stationed aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), along with their friends and families, gathered at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott, Feb. 22 to celebrate the birthday of the ship’s namesake and our first President.

This year’s George Washington command birthday ball offered participants the opportunity to eat, dance, sing, win prizes, and compete in a number of fashion categories.

The annual event was spearheaded by Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) with representatives from various organizations and every department on the ship.

“MWR, Funboss, the recreation advisory board, the Marriott, Astro [who provided décor], and a host of others all contributed in bringing this ball together,” said Lt. j.g. Shanita Williams of Auburn, Maryland, the S-6 division officer aboard George Washington. “It was excellent. Hearing feedback from the crew it seems that everyone enjoyed themselves.”

Intramural events such as the command birthday ball give Sailors an opportunity to connect with the individuals they work with every day in a more casual and relaxed setting.

“There is a lot of stress and pressure that we endure at work to get things done and get through this RCOH (refueling complex overhaul) period,” said Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Laura Taylor, from Early Branch, South Carolina, MWR’s vice president. “The timelines and deadlines that we have can make it difficult to really get to know each other, but when we gather together outside of work it gives everybody the opportunity to be themselves and show who they really are. There isn’t that stress that there is at work, so we’re able to relax and have fun and have a good time together.”

Along with the opportunity to bond with their shipmates, the command birthday ball should be seen as a reward for doing great things to keep the ship on schedule to leave RCOH.

“Events like the birthday ball are to celebrate the ship and its Sailors for completing another year of hard work,” said Matthew Pennell, the Funboss aboard George Washington. “While in the shipyard, things like this can be a good break for Sailors to have some fun and fellowship.”

On the heels of the overall success of this year’s command ball, the MWR coordinators and Funboss already have their sights on next year’s event and ways to build on this year’s party. 

“I think that everyone had a great time, and I’m looking forward to making it even better next year,” said Pennell. “Sailors’ feedback through the e-mail survey really helps us a lot to plan and make events like the command ball more tailored to what they would enjoy.”

Those who would like to provide feedback that will contribute to next year’s ball can complete the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BDayBall19.

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