Amazing.like having Nazis on board US ships during WWII.
B
Navy Sends Vinson Sailor to Mecca, Supports Religious Pilgrimage
Story Number: NNS090108-04
Release Date: 1/8/2009 1:00:00 PM
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By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Candice Villarreal, USS Carl
Vinson Public Affairs
NEWPORT NEWS, VA (NNS) -- The U.S. Navy, in partnership with the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia (KSA), afforded a USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Sailor and four
other Navy members the opportunity to visit Mecca, the holiest site in the
Muslim faith, from Dec. 6-12, 2008, to make the traditional pilgrimage known
as Hajj.
Lt. j.g. Rami Islam of the Carl Vinson's Engineering Department was selected
from about 75 candidates Navy-wide to embark on the KSA-sponsored
pilgrimage, which is required to be completed by Muslims who have the
ability to do so at least once in their lifetimes.
"The fact that the U.S. Navy allowed this trip to take place is proven
evidence that, in this organization, we are all equal," said Islam. "All
religions are respected, and that kind of equal treatment and support are
some of the best morale boosters for our Sailors."
The Hajj, dating back to ancient times, symbolizes obedience and loyalty to
Allah by the Muslim people. The pilgrimage consists of several individual
rituals and is associated with the life of the prophet Muhammad.
"I am very impressed that, despite how busy the crew and chain of command
are during this critical refueling complex overhaul (RCOH) period, they
still found a way to realize a life-long dream for one of our shipmates,"
said Cmdr. Hal Scott, chaplain, Carl Vinson Religious Ministries Department.
"They extended a ton of support for this cause, and that certainly helped
with Lt.j.g. Islam's selection for the program."
Islam agreed, adding that the successful journey was a direct result of the
positive military relations and collaboration between the United States and
the KSA. While abroad, the KSA provided all security, lodging, and meals,
and extended other various courtesies to Islam and the four other Sailors
selected for the program.
According to Scott, Sailors interested in such programs must submit
application packages through their chain of command and receive an official
nomination from the United States Navy Chaplain Corps.
"Both the Navy and its Chaplain Corps are fully committed to providing and
accommodating our Sailors and their families - of all faiths -- with
opportunities for religious experiences," said Scott. "I'm personally very
excited about this milestone for Lt. j.g. Islam, and I hope and pray that
this experience was very spiritually motivating for him."
Since his return, Islam has been invited to attend a meeting held by
military chaplains in the Hampton Roads, Va. area to share his personal
experiences and offer input for future programs. Scott said he hopes Islam
will take his energy and experiences gained through the pilgrimage and
continue to share them with others around the fleet.
"American Muslims in uniform have fought side-by-side to defend the U.S.
Constitution since the Civil War," said Islam. "The Navy's recognition of a
faith practiced by a minority group makes that very group proud to be a part
of this institution. It's a true example of what America is all about;
freedom and equality for all."
Carl Vinson is undergoing its scheduled RCO) at Northrop Grumman Newport
News shipyard. The RCOH is an extensive yard period that all Nimitz-class
aircraft carriers go through near the mid-point of their 50-year lifecycle.
During RCOH, Carl Vinson's nuclear fuel will be replenished and the ship's
services and infrastructure will be upgraded to make her the most
state-of-the-art aircraft carrier in the fleet and prepare for another 25
years or more of service.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=41693
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