Fort McHenry Sailors Get out to the Ballpark

By Ens. Laura Price, USS Fort McHenry Public Affairs

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- A USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) Color Guard rendered honors April 4 before an exhibition baseball game between the Baltimore Orioles and their AAA affiliate, the Norfolk Tides.

Electronics Technician 1st Class Salvador Perez, Seaman Sheunqua Williams, Seaman Danino Lauder, Culinary Specialist Seaman Janet Garcia, and Logistics Specialist Seaman Christopher Doran made up the color guard. The team, who has traditionally performed at smaller ceremonies for the ship, marched out to center field to proudly display the flags during the national anthem, just minutes before the first pitch.

After their performance, the group got a rousing ovation from the many fans on hand to see their baseball team take the field.

"That was my first time performing in front of a big audience; it was a lot of fun," said Williams. "It was exciting to see everyone standing up for us. There was a lot of energy from the crowd."

"It was exhilarating," said Perez. "With the smell of hot dogs and funnel cakes, there's really nothing like the charged atmosphere of an opening day."

By working with the Baltimore Orioles, Fort McHenry Sailors continue to build ties with the city of Baltimore, where the historic Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is located.

"Since Fort McHenry is in Baltimore, we are representing the fort, our ship, and the city," Williams explained.

Fort McHenry will be one of several Navy ships heading up to Baltimore in June for "Sailabration," an event to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812. While up there, the crew hopes to once again get the chance to work with the Baltimore Orioles.

"It is exciting for our young Sailors to get involved with the community, especially getting ready for the War of 1812 commemoration," said Perez. The color guard is highly motivated to get the chance to do something again with the Orioles when we are up in Baltimore."

"I love the Navy, so color guard is a way to show the honor, courage, commitment and everything we do and stand for in the Navy," said Williams. "We get to travel and meet new people. It is exciting to be part of this team."