A splash of color on canvas and the murmur of Sailor-artists filled the aft mess decks as Sailors enjoyed nachos and refreshments during the first paint and dip event aboard Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, June 22.

Event coordinator and representative of the Second Class Petty Officer Association, Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Cymone Surrell-Morris, explained the event as "an opportunity for Sailors to release creative energy and de-stress."

SCPOA provided everything the aspiring artists needed to start a work of art, including paint, brushes, canvases, instruction and even nachos to fill the creative appetite. Sailors from various rates and ranks attended the festivities.

"I just enjoyed how simple and relaxing the event was," said Yeoman Seaman Manuel Gandia. "With how stressful life can be on a ship, this event provided a calm setting that allowed me a moment to unwind."

Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Garvin Williams, president of the SCPOA, modeled the event after a similar paint and sip experience. Williams felt it was important to imitate the atmosphere of those events as best as possible to provide an immersive and stress-relieving experience.

"Our goal is to boost morale [of the crew] and let everyone relax and enjoy refreshments," said Williams.

Turn-out for the event was much larger than expected and prompted Williams to consider more events of this type in the future.

"We will definitely have more during Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX) and, of course, deployment," said Williams.

In keeping with the mission of SCPOA to support command events to increase morale and community outreach projects, Sailors aboard John C. Stennis can look forward to future painting and crafting events in the upcoming underway periods.

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