Sailors assigned to guided-missile destroyer USS Stout (DDG-55) celebrated their Easter holiday March 27 while conducting a composite training unit exercise in preparation for deployment.

The day began with a sunrise service led by the ship's chaplain, Lt. Michael Carpenter, and held on the flight deck Sunday morning.

"Our right to worship freely is one of the reasons our military exists, and regardless of your religion, it's great to practice that," Carpenter said. "Having the opportunity to hold services on board really gives Sailors a chance to connect back to home, not physically, but with their hearts."

Stout Sailors were also able to attend services throughout the day, which was especially helpful for Sailors who could not attend the sunrise service. In addition to church services, the crew received letters of appreciation and warm Easter wishes from fellow citizens.

"For a moment, these Sailors can be recognized for not what they do but for just being human," said Carpenter. "If they have this connection, this feeling of being human and taking a moment to be 'off the ship,' then they can go back with clear minds to fulfill their duties as Sailors."

The impact of having a proactive chaplain on board cannot be overstated, and the Stout leadership is appreciative of what an asset Carpenter has been to the crew.

"We're very grateful to have Chaplain Carpenter on board," said Cmdr. Adam G. Cheatham, commanding officer of Stout. "Since the very first day, he as integrated with the crew and become a member of team Stout. He has had an immediate, positive impact and provided both religious and non-religious support to our Sailors, seeing to all their needs across the spectrum."

Many Sailors face hardships being away from their families and friends throughout the holidays, but Stout's leadership always has an eye on supporting their Sailors' needs and keeping morale afloat.

"The services at sea are a really great way to get back to what we do when we're home on shore," said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Pierre Abarca. "It gives us a break from our rigorous routine while at sea and helps fill that spiritual gap we may be missing while underway or on deployment."

Stout is currently underway conducting COMPTUEX with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group. The exercise is the final deployment certification the strike group will face before deploying.

Ike CSG is comprised of CSG-10 staff, Destroyer Squadron 26 staff, the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56) and USS Monterey (CG 61) and the DESRON 26 ships: guided-missile destroyers USS Mason (DDG 87), USS Nitze (DDG 94), USS Stout (DDG 55) and USS Roosevelt (DDG 80).

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil