Posted:
May 27, 2016
By Captain Glenn Macario
Master, USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler
The USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler was chosen as the vessel to host the Maritime Day wreath laying ceremony in Busan, Korea on May 20, 2016. The ceremony was hosted jointly by Military Sealift Command Office Korea and the United Seamen's Service at Pier 8 in Busan.
At approximately 1705, the ceremony began with several honored guests, the local navy chaplain, an honor guard from the U.S. Navy, and buglers from the Korean Navy marching onto the Wheeler's starboard bridge wing. United Seamen's Service Director Walt Christensen introduced the guests and gave a brief history of the symbolism of the wreath. Honored guest Col. Ted Stephens, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Daegu, read a short statement as did Lt. Cmdr. Mike Pugh, executive officer of MSCO Korea. Both praised the work of the Merchant Marine. Chaplain Zachary Zumwalt read the invocation, the color guard was paraded and the Korean buglers played Taps. At the final note of Taps, the wreath was lifted over the rail and released into the harbor by Col. Stephens, Lt. Cmdr. Pugh, Mr. Christensen and I.
The ceremony was attended by many of the Wheeler's crew. Afterward, a reception was held at the United Seamen's Service club on Pier 8. Crews from both USNS Wheeler and USNS Impeccable attended, along with many U.S. and Korean military, and many local U.S. and Korean civilians affiliated with the maritime community. Col. Stephens and Cmdr. Eric St. Peter (commanding officer of MSCO-K) gave short speeches praising the efforts of the U.S. Merchant Marine and mariners everywhere. One common theme throughout both the wreath laying and the reception was recognition of our departed shipmates on the SS El Faro. All of the speeches recognized that heroic crew and Mr. Christensen lead all present in a moment of silence for 33 seconds. President Obama's proclamation for Maritime Day directed all U.S. ships to "dress ship" by displaying all signal flags. USNS Wheeler flew a simple eight-flag display reading from left to right: E-L F-A-R-O 3-3.
The speeches were followed by the ceremonial cake cutting. It was a well-attended and symbolic event and the Wheeler was proud to serve as the host ship.
USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler's AMO crew consists of Captain Glenn Macario; Chief Engineer Frank Celino; Chief Mate Pat Leahy; First Assistant Engineer Chris Blouch; Second Mate Chris Kali; Second Assistant Engineer Chris Rich; Third Mates James McLaughlin, Joe Newhouse and Tom Caban; and Third Assistant Engineers Chris Gilman, Roy Coleman and Royce Dudley.
USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler's SIU crew consists of Bosun Jerry Gonzaga; QMED Jasper McGirt; Chief Steward Jean Favreaux; ABs Brian Frederick, Kevin Hanmont, Smyrno Desir and Ed Majesky; Cook Radfan Almaklani; Wiper Jarvis Carter; and Apprentice Gabe Freeman.
USNS Wheeler hosts National Maritime Day ceremony
By Captain Glenn Macario
Master, USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler
The USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler was chosen as the vessel to host the Maritime Day wreath laying ceremony in Busan, Korea on May 20, 2016. The ceremony was hosted jointly by Military Sealift Command Office Korea and the United Seamen's Service at Pier 8 in Busan.
At approximately 1705, the ceremony began with several honored guests, the local navy chaplain, an honor guard from the U.S. Navy, and buglers from the Korean Navy marching onto the Wheeler's starboard bridge wing. United Seamen's Service Director Walt Christensen introduced the guests and gave a brief history of the symbolism of the wreath. Honored guest Col. Ted Stephens, commander of U.S. Army Garrison Daegu, read a short statement as did Lt. Cmdr. Mike Pugh, executive officer of MSCO Korea. Both praised the work of the Merchant Marine. Chaplain Zachary Zumwalt read the invocation, the color guard was paraded and the Korean buglers played Taps. At the final note of Taps, the wreath was lifted over the rail and released into the harbor by Col. Stephens, Lt. Cmdr. Pugh, Mr. Christensen and I.
The ceremony was attended by many of the Wheeler's crew. Afterward, a reception was held at the United Seamen's Service club on Pier 8. Crews from both USNS Wheeler and USNS Impeccable attended, along with many U.S. and Korean military, and many local U.S. and Korean civilians affiliated with the maritime community. Col. Stephens and Cmdr. Eric St. Peter (commanding officer of MSCO-K) gave short speeches praising the efforts of the U.S. Merchant Marine and mariners everywhere. One common theme throughout both the wreath laying and the reception was recognition of our departed shipmates on the SS El Faro. All of the speeches recognized that heroic crew and Mr. Christensen lead all present in a moment of silence for 33 seconds. President Obama's proclamation for Maritime Day directed all U.S. ships to "dress ship" by displaying all signal flags. USNS Wheeler flew a simple eight-flag display reading from left to right: E-L F-A-R-O 3-3.
The speeches were followed by the ceremonial cake cutting. It was a well-attended and symbolic event and the Wheeler was proud to serve as the host ship.
USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler's AMO crew consists of Captain Glenn Macario; Chief Engineer Frank Celino; Chief Mate Pat Leahy; First Assistant Engineer Chris Blouch; Second Mate Chris Kali; Second Assistant Engineer Chris Rich; Third Mates James McLaughlin, Joe Newhouse and Tom Caban; and Third Assistant Engineers Chris Gilman, Roy Coleman and Royce Dudley.
USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler's SIU crew consists of Bosun Jerry Gonzaga; QMED Jasper McGirt; Chief Steward Jean Favreaux; ABs Brian Frederick, Kevin Hanmont, Smyrno Desir and Ed Majesky; Cook Radfan Almaklani; Wiper Jarvis Carter; and Apprentice Gabe Freeman.