IKE GIVING THANKS ON THANKSGIVING

UNITED STATES

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Gabriel Kotico

USS Dwight D Eisenhower (CVN 69)

Every fourth Thursday of November, Americans get together to celebrate Thanksgiving, a holiday dedicated to giving thanks and spending time with loved ones all while sharing a good meal. However, many service members spend this time away from their friends and family to maintain the freedoms Americans enjoy.

Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) were no exception, but were fortunate enough to have some of their loved ones by their side while on duty.

Lt. Cmdr. Carlisle Pennycooke, Ike’s principal assistant to supply, helped coordinate a special Thanksgiving meal aboard the ship that was open to all the families of Sailors on duty because he knows what it means to serve.

“Serving in the Navy is a huge sacrifice for both the Sailor and family,” said Pennycooke. “Obviously, we can never make up for a missed holiday at home. But we want to try our best to make Thanksgiving as memorable as possible, and that’s why we’ve invited the families to share a nice meal with their Sailor onboard.”

Aviation Boatswains Mate (Handling) First Class Brendan Taylor, a Sailor on duty for Thanksgiving, was especially grateful for this holiday meal because he didn’t have to miss seeing his entire family this year. He and his wife, Theresa James-Taylor, don’t always get to see all five of their kids–ranging from six to 22 years old–in the same place, which made this boat meal one to remember.

“I’m always grateful to spend time with those I care about,” said Taylor. “I’m always blessed just to know that I have another day. The Ike did a really good job preparing the food.”

Taylor’s wife Theresa said she was happy because of the unique opportunity for her and her children to share a meal on the ship.

“We’re actually not together much because they are adults,” Theresa said about her oldest children. “This one is great because the little ones get to see where dad works, and we even get a meal together at his job!”

Taylor has served in the Navy for more than a decade so he knows it can be tough during the holidays. Although he and his family have taken full advantage of this turkey and ham-filled opportunity, he knows that it also benefits younger and more junior Sailors.

“You have some junior Sailors where this is their first time away from home and family,” said Taylor. “This meal is wonderful because it helps boost the morale of everyone here. It just helps give them a good warm feeling about the holidays, and let’s us Sailors know that Ike cares too.”

According to Ike’s Supply Officer Cmdr. Andrew Henwood, Taylor and his family are proof that the experience created on Ike this Thanksgiving was a success.

“One of our goals is to show the crew that they matter,” said Henwood. “They’re on duty so they can’t be home. We want them to know that it doesn’t go unnoticed. This Thanksgiving meal is just a small token of gratitude from us and the rest of the crew.”