Military Spouse Gathers Children During Coronavirus

A mother gathers her daughters, as her husband prepares to hand over command on the USS Sentry deployed to Naval Support Activity Bahrain - US Navy. (Photo by Candice Baker)

Pinning Their Father

The incoming Commander is pinned by his daughter while his son stands on a chair to watch. USS Sentry deployed to NSA Bahrain - United States Navy (Photo by Candice Baker)

Military Child Watches for Dad

The daughter of the incoming Commander holds the daughter of the outgoing Commander, as she nervously watches her father leaving his ship for the final time. USS Sentry deployed to NSA Bahrain - US Navy. (Photo by Candice Baker)

Sailors Cheer For Their Former Commander

The Sailors upon the USS Sentry send off their former Commander with a cheer as he disembarks his ship for the last time. NSA Bahrain - USN. (Photo by Candice Baker)

Sailors Covered and In Prayer

In prayer upon the USS Sentry, Sailors observe their ship’s Change of Command. Because of coronavirus social distancing requirements, many are not authorized in the bridge to attend the intimate ceremony. Instead, these Sailors will watch through a window.

US Navy Change of Command Ceremony Amid COVID-19 Pandemic
April 15, 2020

Cover, gather, disperse.

I was tasked with documenting the USS Sentry (MCM-3) Change of Command, ported in the Arabian Gulf upon Naval Support Activity Bahrain. On any typical day, the handing over of command would draw over a hundred attendants, surrounded by an outdoor festival of naval pageantry. Because of COVID-19 regulations, the US Navy permitted only an intimate gathering upon the bridge of the ship.

Spouses and children stepped outside their homes to confront the enemy without a face. While any trace of tears soaked into the smile stifling material, families and shipmates stood alongside each other to celebrate, in whatever capacity authorized.