Over the years I’ve posted some notes about a Navy Chaplain friend of mine, CDR Charles Johnson, how he spiffed up the altar in traditional ways and said the TLM on the “Big trick”, and how his plane crashed at NAS Jacksonville when I went to NAVSTA Guantanamo Bay to replace him. He lost everything in hold of the plane that wound up in the river. You readers were GREAT and rapidly raised money to have new vestments made for him.
Right now, Fr. Johnson is on USS Gerald R. Ford.
Today, I saw in the Navy Times that some of the sailors on the Ford were diagnosed with the Wuhan Devil. The sailors were removed from the ship, of course.
Please do me the kindness of saying a prayer for my friend Fr. Johnson and the crew of the Ford.
Also, at the Navy Times, there is a very cool shot of the Ford in a high-speed turn… taken today, 29 October!
UPDATE 31 Oct 2020:
My buddy dropped me a note, which might amuse you.
Those high-speed turns were wild! Lots of moving around on ship; made it vexing (I think is the best word) to say Mass; one of the big six fell over in medias res–on two separate occasions. No one was hurt.
“Big six” is jargon for the six larger candle sticks on a Roman altar, used for Sung and Solemn Mass. It’s good to know he has the altar decked out well. I’ll ask him for a photo.
Despite their size, aircraft carriers can be remarkably agile as the photo shows. It was taken during the conduct of sea trials; a period where all shipboard systems are tested to their limits. As you can see, for this evolution the decks are cleared and everything onboard is battened down and secured so as to preclude mishaps as the ship heels over.
Back in my U.S. Navy Submarine days we used to say there are two types of Ships. Submarines and Targets! Aircraft carriers or bird farms were the biggest targets out there.
In either case Prayers for you friend.
On an interesting side note. We did not have any religious services on my submarine! None for 4 years. It was not permitted. Well at least they did not make us wear masks.
Prayers offered.
I don’t even understand how the ship could make such a turn without everything flying about inside her.
Father Z,
I have a very soft spot in my heart for Navy chaplains. Even though I was in the Air Force, when I was in NATO in Naples, our Navy chaplain, Commander (Father) Steve Rock, was a very good and holy man. He took my first Confession in 35 years when I went through RCIA and he confirmed me in 2003 in our new church at Gricignano. That assignment brought back my joy as a Roman Catholic.
I consider it an honor and duty to pray for Father Johnson. Consider it done!
Thanks also for your service to our men and women at GITMO!
Prayers said for Fr. Johnson and the crew of the Ford.
May St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, protect Fr. Johnson from the depredations of the Wuhan Devil. May Fr. Johnson’s voyage be safe from Tempests and may Midrats sustain him at sea as Elijah was sustained in the wilderness. Thy will be done.
Prayers said for Fr. Johnson and the crew of the USS Gerald R. Ford.
And — WOW, that is am impressive list to port, making that turn!
The Ford is currently in port at Norfolk.
The photo was taken during sea trials on 29 October 2019 by MC3 Connor Loessin.
AA C: in port at Norfolk
Yah… my buddy says they ‘ve had some short runs, shaking things down.
But about the high speed turns… see the UPDATE above!
I didn’t think an aircraft carrier could turn on a dime – I see I was wrong. That is one impressive maneuver.
Enjoyed the update.
Wonder how much time it took.