MCB HAWAII, KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii -- When Navy Chaplain (Capt.) Joseph Estabrook, the command chaplain aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii, joined the Navy on June 28, 1977, his intentions were to only serve three years. He never imagined his adventures in the U.S. Navy would one day enable him to live on the side of a volcano in the beautiful country of Italy or host ecumenical services at the edges of beaches lapping sparkling blue waters onto Hawaiian shores.
Living in Italy is only one of the interesting stories Estabrook is glad to share with any Sailor or Marine. In his office, memorabilia from many places around the world and several ships adorn the walls and delight the eyes. They bespeak mere chapters about Estabrook's travels and his lifelong aim, to ensure the well being of the service members under his charge.
A graduate from the Jesuit School of Theology in Berkeley, Calif., he served as the first Family Life director of the Albany Diocese and initiated many new programs in support of marriage and family life before reporting for active duty after his commissioning in July 1977 to Newport, R.I., for training.
With a warm smile across his face, Estabrook recalled, "Before the Archbishop called me and asked me to consider serving a few years in the Navy as a chaplain, I did not know anything about the Navy, except they worked with Sailors and Marines on boats. I didn't even know what the uniform looked like until I was actually wearing one for the first time!"
Estabrook wears his Navy uniforms and Marine Corps camouflage with pride. They have allowed him to enrich the lives of service members and their families all about the world.
In official capacities at MCB Hawaii alone, he has served as the pastor to the Roman Catholic community, and provided mass, sacraments, pastoral counseling, retreats, family picnics and a dynamic youth program.
During his tenure, he doubled attendance at weekend Catholic mass from an average of 250 parishioners to more than 500 military personnel, family members and retirees.
Through his efforts, he drafted the "Cooperative Ministry" base order that founded the concept of team ministry between the 18 chaplains and religious program specialists assigned to the many different commands here.
These are only a few of the contributions Estabrook leaves to MCB Hawaii.
Estabrook retired from active duty yesterday. He will conduct his last mass here Sunday.
"I only came in [the Navy] to do three years, but every station became more interesting than the last and gave me chances to help more and more people," Estabrook explained. "The next thing I knew ... I had twelve years in, and I figured I should go ahead and make it a career.
"I have had some wonderful experiences, and I have enjoyed going out to sea and working with ... Marines and Sailors."