Friends and family members of Nassau (LHA 4) Sailors came aboard Oct. 10 for Friends and Family Day.
Each of the 250 guests had their picture taken with their Sailor when they crossed the Quarterdeck. They then toured the ship and enjoyed several static displays and demonstrations.
Nassau's Damage Controlmen allowed the visitors to get their hands on a live fire hose in the ship's Well Deck.
"I really like the Foc'sle and how clean and bright it looks," said Portia Christian, wife of Chief Boatswain's Mate (SW) Donald Christian. "My husband takes pride in his job and I like to see all the Boatswain's Mates accomplished."
Friends and Family Day included a special event for the guests. An MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter from the Dragonwhales of Helicopter Combat Squadron 28 landed on Nassau's Flight Deck with the aid of the ship's Aviation Boatswain's Mates (Handler).
"Nothing feels better than to do my job and see everyone’s families cheering and clapping for me," said Aviation boatswain's Mate (Handler) 3rd Class (AW) John Zapata, the Landing Signal Enlisted who directed the landing.
"We enjoyed being able to visit my husband's work," said Jennifer Barnhart, wife of Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW/AW) Melvin Barnhart. "Our kids love Daddy's office."
The Top Gator Bistro barbecued chicken and ribs and prepared other culinary delights for a steel beach picnic in the ship's Hangar Bay.
"Friends and Family Day is an opportunity not only to have fun, but also for our guests to learn more about what their family members or friends do on a daily basis," said Nassau Command Master Chief CMDCM(AW/SW) Stan Kopiczak. "While Nassau's on deployment, it is important for our supporters back home to be able to speak intelligently about what their Sailor does for their country. This increases awareness and support for the Navy."
Members of the Richmond Chapter of the Navy League stayed aboard the ship Friday night. Kopiczak spoke with the Navy League guests and they told him that they really enjoyed the professionalism of the crew and their willingness to show them around the ship.
"The Navy League is a strong supporter of Nassau, donating more than $3,000 for different functions sponsored by the ship. The Richmond Chapter has been supporting us for seven years," Kopiczak said.
Lt. Cmdr David Michalak, the officer in charge of planning the event, said planning started in late September. He said he felt it was a huge success.
"I feel like more events like this should be scheduled, especially before big underway periods," Michalak said. "The look of enjoyment on the guest's faces motivates the crew and reminds Sailors that we see Nassau every day, but our friends and families do not. What we do amazes civilians. Their sense of pride in their Sailors and our country is expressed in the excitement in their eyes." Nassau every day, but our friends and families do not. What we do amazes civilians. Their sense of pride in their Sailors and our country is expressed in the excitement in their eyes."