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GULF OF OMAN -- Advancements in technology and communication help
close the distance between Sailors and families to help maintain
their connection during deployment. Two new fathers, thousands of
miles away from home and loved ones, utilized these advancements.
The communication technology allowed two Sailors currently
deployed aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)
the opportunity to meet their newborn sons during a video
teleconference (VTC) on Jan. 13, 2016.
Aviation Electronics
Technician 2nd Class John MacDonald, from Nashville, Tennessee, and
Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Richard Boone, from Petersburg,
Virginia, talked with their wives and saw their newborn sons live
for the first time during the VTC.
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January 13, 2016 - Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class, from
Petersburg, Va., speaks to his wife, daughter and newborn son in the
flag plot conference room during a video teleconference call (VTC)
aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Kearsarge
is the flagship for the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and,
with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is deployed
in support of maritime security operations and theater security
cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. (U.S.
Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Aren Everett)
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“It felt amazing seeing my family,” said MacDonald. “My
son was born Dec. 8, 2015, and I had yet to see him in real
time. It was a blessing for sure.”
Each Sailor was
able to chat with their family for approximately 15 minutes.
Boone described the video chat as a very emotional
experience for him and his wife.
“My favorite part was the interaction between my son and
me,” said Boone. “I made my wife videos of me talking to my
son so she can play them everyday and then he would get used
to my voice. He remembered my voice from the videos and
started smiling at the screen while I watched them and
talked.”
This is the first time Kearsarge has
organized a VTC for new fathers this deployment.
Religious Program Specialist 1st Class Jerry Hutchins, who
helped organized the call, emphasized the importance of
trying to keep Sailors connected to their families.
“The whole point is to connect new parents with their
newborns,” said Hutchins. “We aren't able to send them home
during deployment, so this is a way for them to stay
connected with their families.”
The VTC was
appreciated by the Sailors and their families back home.
“I was so excited to see my family,” said MacDonald. “I
loved seeing my wife and my mother-in-law, and seeing my son
was incredible. He was wide awake and seemed to recognize my
voice from the audio books.”
Kearsarge is the
flagship for the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) and,
with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is
deployed in support of maritime security operations and
theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet
area of operations.
By U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Dana D. Legg
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2016
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