NORFOLK, Va. — It was a sad day for some 4,500 Sailors, Marines, and their families.
USS Kearsarge and USS Arlington shipped out of Naval Station Norfolk on Monday just eight days before Christmas.
Also joining them: the Florida-based USS Fort McHenry.
"Nobody likes to leave their families, it's hard, but it's a privilege and an honor to serve our country," said CAPT David Blackburn, commander of the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group.
COL Mike Perez, commander of the Marines' 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit agreed.
"And there's nothing to take the sting off if it," he said. "What I'd offer though, by us going forward, we have the watch. Meaning, our fellow Americans don't have to worry about it. They can enjoy their Christmas."
Kearsarge Ensign Stephanie Moralez had mixed emotions.
"It's hard of course but I'm ready for it," she said. "I'm excited to see what it has in store of use. And I know the crew is excited."
The ships will head forth to the Mediterranean and Middle East areas of operations. The mission, Keeping the sea lanes free, deterring aggression and simply providing a forward deployed presence. While going out right at the holidays is most certainly not what they would've chosen, the crew said they're OK with it.
"I mean, I signed up for it," said USS Arlington Fireman Michael Boulet. "I knew what I was signing up for. I'm honestly excited for it. Of course, I'm sad I'm not going to be able to spend Christmas with them, but I've got to do what I have to do. You know?"
They are the featured ships in this year's 33rd annual "Holiday Salute" on 13 News Now.
"But you know when I come back, it will be exciting to you know after a long period sees my family and figure out what's happened over the last few months," said USS Kearsarge Seaman Shania Preval. "So, it's like a reunion almost, so it's like something to look forward to and yeah, I'm missing the holidays, but on the ship, they tend to do so it's not necessarily like you're missing holidays. You're spending it with new people."
Kearsarge Hull Technician Third Class Darrin Janlett was stoic.
"I know somebody has to go out there and do it, so I don't mind it being us," he said. "I feel like we can help as much as needed out there.
Arlington IT1 Dan Zinnikas was also looking on the bright side.
"It's hard to be away for the holidays, but you have to just remember that your family loves you and they're supporting you and what you're doing," he said. "And it's just one holiday. You might be gone this Christmas, but you'll be back for the next one"
It's scheduled to be a 7-month deployment, meaning, if all goes well, they'll be back in July.
The "Holiday Salute" show airs on 13 News Now on Christmas Eve, Monday, Dec. 24 at 4 p.m., and on Christmas Day, Tuesday, Dec. 15 at 6 a.m.
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