Author Archives: frdavid11

When we deployed with the USS Laboon in company, I had no idea who Laboon was. Looking up his story I was amazed to find that he, like me, began his Navy service in submarines, but finished it as a chaplain. Take some time to read the remarkable stories of the chaplains who have wonContinue reading “Daily Prayer, 9 March”

Most of our Navy ships that deploy from the eastern coast of the U.S. will pass through the Suez Canal. It is a long transit in restricted waters that presents a host of difficulties, not the least of which is that the ships are close enough to land to be hit by a thrown rock,Continue reading “Daily Prayer, 8 March”

Being a command chaplain means ensuring people of all faiths are protected in their right to freely exercise their religion. As a Greek Orthodox priest, I spend less of my time providing for the religious needs of my faith and a little more time, facilitating the religious needs of others. For example, I must seeContinue reading “Daily Prayer, 7 March”

The Boatswains Mate (BM) is one of the oldest ratings in the Navy, predating steam—and even the United States. It is one of the hardest working rates in the Navy, as boatswains mates are responsible for the care of all the ships lines (what most of us call ropes) and for the preservation of theContinue reading “Daily Prayer, 6 March”

This prayer is another of my explorations into history resulting from a historical occasion, in this case relating to the Navy Construction Battalions, or Seabees. Seabees tend to move in their own circles and have less interaction with other Sailors like the ones who man the escort fleet of cruisers and destroyers, so I thoughtContinue reading “Daily Prayer, 5 March”

Sometimes my role as their chaplain was just to be the crew’s cheerleader. After a long day of complicated evolutions, my job was to be there to encourage them and be their biggest fan. This prayer was part of that effort after one of those days.   Yesterday was a pretty busy day, and IContinue reading “Daily Prayer, 4 March”

American warships need lots of gas, and on the way through the Mediterranean, if you don’t get it from underway replenishment, than you have to stop in a port. After Rota, Spain, the next place ships tend to stop on their way through is in Souda Bay, Greece, which is on the island of Crete.Continue reading “Daily Prayer, 3 March”

Having a vocation or calling is something that used to be a given. When we were growing up, we just sort of understood that each of us would find a job that we could do well, and pursue that as a means to provide for ourselves and our, God-willing, future family. What I’ve found withContinue reading “Daily Prayer, 2 March”

We were next to the pier in Spain longer than we’d planned due to equipment that needed repair, and parts were required but were in limited supply. It can be frustrating to be in the spotlight, knowing that the whole crew is waiting for your gear to work so that the ship can get underway.Continue reading “Daily Prayer, 27 February”