Naval Station Norfolk (NAVSTA) Sailors showcased their talents during a Thanksgiving Feast at NAVSTA's Galley, Ships Cabin, Nov. 24.

NAVSTA provided Sailors and their families, retirees, and Department of Defense employees with a buffet-style meal and a family-friendly atmosphere which included fall decorations and the traditional American football game.

The Ships Cabin served a full course, Thanksgiving meal including four roasted turkeys, baked ham, and 15 side dishes to more than 350 people.

"Our Sailors take great pride in preparing Thanksgiving meal for our fellow shipmates and family," said Petty Officer 1st Class John Davis, NAVSTA Ships Cabin galley captain. "Every day we use recipe cards, but during the holiday our Sailors take more pride in themselves and food preparation because they are preparing meals for their families and single Sailors that do not have family in town."

According to Davis, a night crew of petty officers second class started to prepare the meal at 8 p.m. the night before the festivities to make sure everything was ready.

Davis also said the main goal for this event was to make sure the people who attended Thanksgiving felt the holiday spirit as they enjoyed a meal among shipmates.

"As Sailors, we are constantly serving across the world, standing duty, and away from our families during the holidays," said Davis. "A meal like this can set a positive tone for a junior Sailor. To provide a warm meal with the traditional football game and decorations shows our Sailors that even though they are away from their biological family, they are with their brothers and sisters in arms."

Master Chief Petty Officer Marc Puco, NAVSTA's command master chief, and his family attended the Thanksgiving Feast.

"It was a great experience to share a meal with my family and our Sailors," said Puco. "It is hard to cook such an elaborate meal for a small family, so to know that our Sailors spent hours preparing a good feast for the rest of us is impressive and was done very successfully. They also provided a laid-back atmosphere, which allowed me to catch up with Sailors I used to serve with at different commands, while my family enjoyed a meal."

Puco stated he was not only thankful for the wholesome meal, but for the Sailors who stand watch so the rest of their community can peacefully enjoy the holidays with their loved ones.

"Thanksgiving is a celebration among friends and family, but it is easy to forget that many of our shipmates are unable to partake in this celebration because they are on duty or out to sea," Puco said. "I am thankful for our service members that are keeping our nation safe all year around."

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