Bataan Celebrates Easter Underway with Sunrise Service

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman James Turner, USS Bataan Public Affairs

USS BATAAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) celebrated Easter during a sunrise church service on the ship's flight deck April 24.

More than 150 crew members attended the celebration as the ship transited the Atlantic Ocean en route to the Mediterranean Sea.

"I thought the sunrise service went very well, and everyone played their part," said Cmdr. Steven Souders, Bataan's command chaplain. "God played his part because we had calmer seas, lighter winds and beautiful sunshine. The people did their part for coming out, and the chaplains did their part by singing in the chaplain choir."

For the service members who attended the sunrise service, it was a way to enjoy a small piece of home while away during deployment.

"The service adds a little normality to our lives during this long deployment," said Marine Corps Sgt. Timothy Bunde, the non-commissioned officer-in-charge of administration for the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit's Air Combat Element, Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 263.

"I thought it was beautiful, and it was relaxing to feel the cool breeze and warm sunshine," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Kelly L. Pickton, Dental Department's leading petty officer.

Bataan's location added to the already unique ceremony.

"It will be a very memorable sunrise service because there could not be a more fitting place to have an Easter sunrise service at sea; we are heading into the mouth of the old Roman Empire. Just on the other side of the Strait of Gibraltar, at the end of the Mediterranean, is the holy land," said Souders.

Easter sunrise service is good for the crew's morale, which in turn is good for the overall mission.

"Easter is a very holy day for Christians, and it gives all of the various faith communities a sense of coming together in the resurrection of Christ. It is very important to give that renewed sense of hope to the Sailors and Marines aboard," said Souders.