USS Bataan (LHD 5), with the help of Navy Entertainment, welcomed the “Messlords” aboard June 20, for a special chili cook-off and unique lunches.

The Mess Lords, a group of chefs who

visit ships at sea, met with Sailors and Marines, and gave the crew a chance to eat specially crafted meals. Bataan was the fourth ship the Messlords have visited after aircraft carriers USS Enterprise

(CVN 65), USS Stennis (CVN 74) and USS Truman (CVN 75).

“The atmosphere on this ship was amazing,” said Michael ‘Hodad’ Hardin, a Messlords member and restaurant owner from San Diego, Calif. “I’m very impressed with this ship.”

“We had a blast,” said ‘Panini’ Pete Blohme, Messlord and Mobile, Ala.

café owner. “The morale on this ship has been fantastic.”

For one special lunch, the Messlord team helped cook and teach Sailors and Marines in the ship’s galley how to make Hodad’s signature cheeseburgers, which have more than once been featured on television’s ‘The Food Network’.

“Hodad changed my whole perception of what I thought a burger was,” said Culinary Specialist Seaman Jacob Hopkins, from Louisville, Ky. “The Messlords gave us a different experience and it was a lot of fun.”

The group of chefs strolled around the mess while the crew ate to see how they liked the meal, and to spend time talking with Sailors and Marines.

July 4, 2014Volume: 2 Issue: 13

Look Inside!LGBT, Page 3 | Messlords, Pages 4 & 5 | Fancy Work, Page 6

Messlords cont. page 2

Messlords Whip Up Bataan Sailors and Marines MoraleBy MCSN Michael J. Lieberknecht

Photo by MC3 Mark Andrew Hays

Four Midshipmen from the United States Naval Academy embarked the amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) from June 1-24.

The group of first class midshipmen, who are on track to receive their commission in May 2015 were paired up with junior officers and enlisted, known as running mates, who helped with preparing the them for shipboard life. During the stay, the running mates provided important information based on personal experiences and professional knowledge.

“My running mate was a division officer,” said Midshipman First Class John Chamberlain from Charlotte, North Carolina. “I observed meetings with a department head, and went to divisional quarters where Sailors were briefed about

the plan for the day. In less than a year I will be a graduate, reporting to my first ship and taking on the role as a division officer.”

While aboard Bataan, Midshipmen also spent their time learning ship’s navigation, communica t ions , and weapons systems, a time which was designed to broaden their prospective as future leaders.

“We shot the .50 cal and 240 machine

gun, went aloft with C5I Sailors and observed the bridge watches with the conning officer and lee helmsman,”

USNA Midshipmen Join Bataan for 2014 DeplyomentBy MC3 Mark Hays

Photo by MCSN Michael J. Lieberknecht

Midshipmen cont. page 2

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The editorial content of this newspaper is prepared, edited and provided by Bataan’s Public Affairs Office. This newspaper is an authorized publication for members of military services at sea. Its contents do not necessarily reflect the official views of the U.S. Government, the Department of Defense or the U.S. Navy and do not imply endorsement thereof.

Commanding OfficerCaptain George J. Vassilakis

Executive OfficerCaptain John “J.C.” Carter

Command Master ChiefCMDCM(SW/AW) Kevin M. Goodrich

Public Affairs Officer MCC(SW/SCW) Dennis Herring

News Team 5MC1(AW/SW) RJ StratchkoMC1(AW) Julie MatyascikMC3(SW) Mark Andrew HaysMC3 Erik Foster

MC3 Chase HawleyMCSN Nicholas Frank CottoneMCSN (SW) Aaron T. KiserMCSN Michael J. Lieberknecht

Layout and Design MCSN Nicholas Frank Cottone

Editor MC1(AW/SW) RJ Stratchko

Chamberlain said. “Also the Commanding and Executive Officer allowed us to sit in on various meetings.”

During their cruise midshipmen saw firsthand other amphibious assault ship’s capabilities by riding in a Landing Craft Air Cushion, MH-60S Sea Hawk, MV-22 Osprey, and observing flight quarters from the ship’s Primary Flight Control.

“I think the LHD class is unique with its multi-mission capabilities,” said Chamberlain. “It was cool watching helicopters land from primary air control.”

During their three week stay Bataan’s leadership provided hands on training that Midshipman, something the Mids cannot get in a classroom at the Naval Academy.

“What better way to train our future officers than onboard the Bataan,” said

Bataan’s Commanding Officer, Capt. George J. Vassilakis. “Being on deployment doing real world missions is something the

classroom just cannot offer. The future of the Navy is bright with Sailors like these preparing to lead it.”

“I’m really at a loss for words,” said Johnny ‘Brava’ Conley, the third Messlords chef and Flagstaff, Ariz. restaurant owner. “I think it’s amazing, every time I come out and do this, I’m humbled.”

All things eventually come to an end, but some Sailors and Marines said they have hopes of seeing the Messlords again in the future.

“We learned a lot of new things and it reminds us of why we’re here,” said Lance Cpl. Zachary Walton, from Jacksonville, Fla. “I’d want the Messlords on every deployment.”

Messlords from Front Page

Photo by MC3 Chase Hawley

Midshipmen from Front Page

Photo by MC3 Chase Hawley

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JULY

BINGO

SATURDAY NIGHTLIVE

MERICA’

POKER

DOMINOS TOURNAMENT

SPADES / ZUMBA

POKER SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

SPADES / ZUMBA

SPADES / ZUMBA POKER / ZUMBA

SPADES / ZUMBA POKERTABLE TOP GAME NIGHTZUMBA

SPADES / ZUMBA

Photos by MC3 Erik Foster

Bataan Sailors and Marines celebrate Pride Month on the ships mess decks, “Diversity is at the heart of America’s strength,” SECDEF Chuck Hagel

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Sailors and Marines Gather for a Magic Tournament By MC3 Chase Hawley

Sailors and Marines aboard USS Bataan (LHD 5) participated in a free ‘Magic: The Gathering’ trading card game tournament supported by Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation July 1.

The tournament was run by Sailors volunteering their time to organize and judge, offered Navy Exchange gift cards for first and second place. It is the first tournament offering official MWR prizes onboard the Bataan and had 17 Sailors and Marines participate.

Electrician’s Technician 1st Class Billy Wright, from Indianapolis, Ind., who is one of the organizers for the group, said the group of Magic players meets every Tuesday and Saturday at 8 p.m. on the mess decks to play and new players are always welcome and encouraged.

Wright went on to say that all events and tournaments are free to play in.

“We have tons of people out there who are experienced and we have a lot of people with multiple decks who are happy to let people try out the game with their decks,” said Sgt. Jason Groves, from Farmersville, Texas.

According to group organizers, they are looking into possibilities of having pre-constructed retail decks available for people who would like to have their own deck or would like to expand their current card collection.

“Our play group is good,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Jordan Dodge, from Palm Bay, Fla. “We have 10 to 20 people come to each event. They each range in experience from novices who just

picked up their cards for deployment, to people who have been playing for years.”

“We hope for more MWR support in the future and hopefully we can have more tournaments like this,” said Master-at-Arms Seaman Josh McCloud, from Pikeville, Tenn.

Magic: The Gathering is a very popular trading card game played worldwide. There are various one-on-one formats and multiplayer team game types. Wright stated that the group offers a chance for all deck formats to play and have team tournaments as well.

“It get rids of stress that we all suffer on this ship,” said Lance Cpl. William Nelson, from Meadville, Penn. “It helps to come down here and enjoy games with friends and have a good time.”

Photos by MC3 Chase Hawley

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