For many Sailors, life aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1), life can become routine. Between the long work hours and daily grind, each day can seem the same as the ones before. However, some Wasp Sailors have found a way to add some color to their days, creating art.

Sailors can often be seen in passageways painting a division's logo, designing the ship's deployment t-shirt, or sketching while in berthing or the mess decks.

"It's good to have a chance to step away and back and do something for yourself," said Damage Controlman 3rd Class John Parker III. "If you can't create some kind of beauty wherever you go what is the point of going or doing anything?"

While at sea things always seem to be moving a mile a minute. Parker said that working on art projects allows a break from a work mindset and have a few minutes to relax.

"I draw or doodle whenever I have a free moment," said Parker. "I just throw on some music and drown everyone out while I work."

For some, deployment is an opportunity to work on projects or art techniques that they have not yet mastered.

"While we've been underway I've started doing portraits," said Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class Nicholas Cullinan who recently completed a portrait of Wasp's commanding officer, Capt. Andrew Smith, which the crew presented to their captain as a farewell gift. "One nice thing about doing art underway is that there's nowhere to go. It sort of forces me to focus on doing something I'm not good at yet."

For many artists on deployment, working on an art project can help take their minds off the daily grind and possibly leave something behind for future Sailors to enjoy.

"Art is like leaving a footprint behind after you leave that others can enjoy when they are down," said Parker. "It gives them a moment to step away and relax."

If someone you know in the Navy is regularly doodling, sketching or painting, let them know they could be a part of history. Tell them to submit their artwork to the Naval History and Heritage Command Art Collection by sending an email with their contact information and a photo of their work to gale.muro@navy.mil. Submitted works can be featured in galleries nationwide.

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For more news from USS Wasp (LHD 1), visit www.navy.mil/.