USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17 Sailors were among the first to ring in the New Year during their Western Pacific/Arabian Gulf deployment Dec. 31, celebrating hours prior to friends and family in the ship's homeport of San Diego and across the U.S.
To celebrate this event, Carl Vinson's Morale, Welfare and Recreation division sponsored a New Year's Eve celebration in the ship's hangar bay with live music, a DJ, a picture slideshow and dancing.
"I really appreciated having the opportunity to celebrate like this," said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Stephanie Romero. "I miss home, but it was nice to sip on a mock-tail and welcome 2015 with my Navy family."
While the crew reveled to ring in the new year, the mission never left the minds of the crew as echoed by Capt. Karl Thomas, Carl Vinson commanding officer.
"We are entering what will be a challenging time for our crew. Every member of the team must maintain high standards, follow procedures every time, look out for and respect our shipmates at every turn," stated Thomas.
This year the Carl Vinson Strike Group rings in 2015 while simultaneously supporting Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations, strike operations in Iraq and Syria as directed, and theater security operations in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).