THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 22, 1994 TAG: 9412220557
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY CHARLENE CASON, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
Anyone who doesn't think Santa Claus can fly should have seen him with his elves Wednesday, stopping at every one of the 68 ships at Norfolk Naval Station in less than three hours.
Their sleigh was the tugboat Dekanawida and the occasion was the third annual Tugboat Caroling, sponsored by the Navy's Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fund for sailors who are stuck aboard ship this holiday week.
As much as they were shivering as the cold wind blew over the bow, you wouldn't have known the jolly old elf and his 15 helpers were from the North Pole.
But their suffering didn't go unappreciated by sailors like Petty Officer 2nd Class Trey Fowler, who was tying lines on the deck of the guided-missile cruiser Thomas S. Gates when the cheery boat came chugging by.
``I think it's great; it takes the load off having to work on Christmas,'' said Fowler.
Some of the group sang songs over a loudspeaker on the tugboat while others delivered 5,000 ``goodie bags,'' stuffed with merchandise and coupons donated by local merchants.
The ship visits are part of the naval station's monthlong ``Scrooge Busters'' program.
``Our goal is to provide activities for sailors and families who are staying around for the holidays,'' said Tiffany Cook-Keadey, spokeswoman for the recreation department. ``It's just a thank you for all the efforts of the people who have to work.''
Thousands of people, many of whom are spending their first holidays away from home, are cheered through the Scrooge Busters program. Along with the tugboat caroling, the department sponsors a youth dance recital and talent show, a breakfast with Santa and athletic tournaments, including Wednesday's 5K Reindeer Run.
It took 10 people three days to sort items for the goodie bags, incuding lip balm, juices and restaurant coupons.
Chief Warrant Officer Gary Suter, base harbormaster, operated the tug. As he looked up to the ships, he saw lots of waving and even a few jigs danced to the tune of ``Jingle Bells.''
Karen Mallarnee, the naval station's youth and young adult coordinator, has organized the tugboat caroling for the past three years.
``We know they're listening,'' she said. ``It's worth the trouble to do a little extra during the holidays. It's our way of bringing good morale to the waterfront. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
PAUL AIKEN/Staff
[This photo appeared on page B1]
Trey Fowler of Natchitoches, La., a second-class petty officer
aboard the guided-missile cruiser Thomas S. Gates, listens to
Christmas carols sung by Santa Claus and several of his helpers
during the Tugboat Caroling at Norfolk Naval Station on Wednesday.
The event, sponsored by the Navy, helps cheer sailors who are stuck
on ship during the holidays. Story, Page B3.
by CNB