The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) celebrated the Navy's 242nd Birthday Oct. 13, with a special meal for its Sailors in the Arabian Gulf.

"We wanted to provide an outstanding meal in memory of how culinary specialists have been feeding the fleet since day one," said Chief Culinary Specialist Christine Cheung, from Maui, Hawaii. "The decorations and formal meal gives the crew a special feeling while they observe the Navy birthday."

Sonar Technician 1st Class James Miller, from Louisville, Kentucky, said he enjoyed the meal and celebrated the day by telling each of his Shipmates happy birthday.

"Happy Birthday to all my brothers and sisters," said Miller. "It's an honor to serve with each and every one of you. Thank you especially to all the ones who served before me, giving me the opportunity to proudly serve in the United States Navy."

The celebration concluded with a traditional cake-cutting ceremony on the ship's mess deck.

"I appreciated the celebration," said Miller. "The dinner was delicious and the cake looked amazing."

Pinckney is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security operations designed to reassure allies and partners, and preserve the freedom of navigation and the free flow of commerce in the region.

For more information about Pinckney, visit http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ddg91/Pages/default.aspx

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