Members of “Dancing for His Glory” group perform a hula dance during the U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps’ 242nd anniversary celebration, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Dec. 2, 2014. The event featured Rear Adm. Brent Scott, the Chaplain of the Marine Corps, as the guest speaker, and celebrated the Chaplain Corps’ storied history with dinner, music, and traditional Hawaiian dance performances. The celebration also highlighted the important role chaplains play in the emotional and spiritual resiliency of Marines, both forward deployed and in garrison. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Kuennen)

Photo by Lance Cpl. Luke Kuennen

U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps celebrates 242nd birthday

5 Dec 2017 | Lance Cpl. Luke Kuennen Marine Corps Base Hawaii

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM -- The U.S. Navy Chaplain Corps celebrated their 242nd anniversary at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Dec. 2, 2017.
The event featured Rear Adm. Brent Scott, the Chaplain of the Marine Corps, as the guest speaker, and celebrated the Navy Chaplain Corps’ storied history and Marine Corps affiliation with dinner, music, and traditional Hawaiian dance performances.
“Hawaii is a very special place,” Scott said. “When you’ve got food, the nice warm island air, and people that appreciate one another, it makes for a really nice event.”
In addition to speaking at the event, Scott also used the opportunity to meet with Navy, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps personnel across the island.
“It was kind of a combined mission,” Scott said. “I was invited to be the guest speaker at the event, but I also capitalized on the fact that I’ve got Marines in Kaneohe Bay. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet with senior leadership on the island, which was great.”
Among those in attendance were Lt. Gen. David Berger, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, Col. Michael Styskal, commanding officer of 3rd Marine Regiment, and Lt. Col. Marshalee Clarke, commanding officer of Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Base Hawaii.
Clarke spoke on the significance of the Chaplain Corps and their important role in the difficulties Marines inherently face.
“When you’re in combat, a few people you’ll see when things go bad are your fellow Marine, a
Navy corpsman, or a Navy chaplain,” Clark said. “Of all those listed, you definitely want to see a Marine, because that means you have cover, but if things are truly bad, the last person you’re going to want to see is a Navy chaplain.”
While Marines of course fight battles with their weapons, chaplains help prepare them for the spiritual and emotional taxes combat brings, Clark said.
Lt. Cmdr. Phillip Ridley, the MCBH chaplain, described the reciprocal nature of Marines and Navy chaplains at the celebration.
It is important for Marines to have a sounding board of sorts, a place where they can re-energize and refocus their thoughts, Ridley said.
“Marines are not cerebral button-pushers.” Ridley said. “They’re very passionate, and it’s a great relationship because Marines value what we bring to the table.”