Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) had an opportunity to share Christmas dinner with shipmates and family members aboard the ship, Dec. 25.

Nimitz's culinary specialists provided a traditional holiday meal for not only Sailors on duty, but for crew members whose families may be out of the area. Family members also had an opportunity to come onboard to enjoy a specially prepared feast and tour the ship if they desired.

U.S. Navy Capt. Kevin Lenox, Nimitz's commanding officer, Cmdr. J.W. David Kurtz, executive officer, and Command Master Chief Jimmy Hailey, came aboard to celebrate and serve dinner to the Sailors.

"It means a lot that the CO, XO and CMC took time out of their Christmas day to come celebrate with us," said Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Tray Chaney, from Lebanon, Mo. "The meal was delicious and being surrounded by everyone here made it a little easier for me to be away from my family this Christmas."

The meal took hours to prepare and consisted of ham, turkey, lobster, prime rib, various sides and a vast assortment of baked goods.

More than 500 Sailors and family members ate aboard the ship in the mess decks surrounded by Christmas decorations and an abundance of Christmas cheer.

"We know that everyone would love to be home with their families on Christmas, but to keep our ship up to fighting standards a portion of the crew stands duty Christmas day," said Lenox. "That's why the XO, the CMC and I wanted to come in and recognize their sacrifice and share this meal with them and their families."

Nimitz is currently preparing for a planned incremental availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility where the ship will receive scheduled maintenance and upgrades.

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