Sailors Baptized Aboard Theodore Roosevelt
Story Number: NNS051207-05
Release Date: 12/7/2005 11:28:00 AM
By Journalist 2nd Class Kimberly R. Stephens, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
ON BOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (NNS) -- The Command Religious Ministries Department (CRMD) baptized 16 Sailors aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Nov. 26.
The baptism represents the cleansing of oneself and becoming a new person, as well as an expression for others to witness, and it is one of the steps in becoming a follower within the Christian faith.
“Sailors from the Gospel Lay Lead service initially requested it,” said Theodore Roosevelt Chaplain Lt. Tommy Myhand. “[Navy chaplains] have been doing things like this since the first Continental Navy.”
Planning the service was a combined effort of CRMD, Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD) and Hangar Bay Control.
“We weren’t sure what we were going to use for the dunk tank,” said Yeoman 1st Class (AW/SW) Richard Wesley, gospel lay leader. “We needed something large and sturdy enough to hold water and people so we could perform the service.”
Aviation Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Danny Goode of AIMD donated a jet engine casing. It was large enough to fit the needs of the baptism.
“This was the first time I have seen or heard of a baptism on an aircraft carrier,” said Goode. “I think it is great for Sailors to have this opportunity while out to sea.”
Although deployed in the Persian Gulf supporting Maritime Security Operations and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Sailors still find time to grow spiritually in the midst of a war.
“It was very emotional for me,” said Airman Carolyn McNeill. “I did it because I wanted to start a clean slate in my life.”
“It’s a rare and unique experience for a baptism to be held on board an aircraft carrier,” said Myhand. “It was a privilege for me to facilitate the service and be a part of TR history.”
