Sailors from the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) welcomed friends and family members aboard for Family Day, Sept. 19, allowing them an inside view of life aboard the ship.

"It was a great opportunity for families to come [aboard] and see how their Sailors live on a daily basis," said Senior Chief Culinary Specialist Ronald Moody. "It was very interactive for the families."

Many activities were planned for the visitors, including damage control demonstrations in the hangar bay and on the flight deck, exhibits, games, entertainment and a picnic lunch.

Sailors helped their guests put on fire fighting equipment and spray fire hoses, offered rides on P-25 Mobile fire Fighting Vehicles (MFFVs) on the flight deck and gave tours of their work spaces.

Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Nolan Prinze said, "I'm here with a friend of mine. We've gone down to the forward pit and the aft diesel room, and we've been up to the bridge, combat, and the flight deck."

"Coming from a smaller ship in the Coast Guard, it's very impressive here because some of the stuff is the same, but there's a lot that's more extensive and you guys have a lot more than we do!" said Coast Guard Seaman Valerie Kim, Prinze's guest.

"It's been a good way to show our friends and family what we do and what our mission is," said Prinze.

Guests were invited to attend awards and reenlistment ceremonies and participate in coloring stations for children, Sumo wrestling and cornhole on the flight deck while the Kearsarge band played for entertainment.

The festivities concluded with a picnic lunch on the flight deck.

"We planned for over 2,000 people. We just wanted to make it quick and easy, but very good food," said Moody. "I've heard nothing but good critiques."

Kearsarge is scheduled to deploy to the 5th and 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security later this fall.


For more news from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), visit www.navy.mil/.