By Chaplain Jonathan Stephens, US Navy, Yokosuka, Japan
I was able to be a part of the USS John S. McCain 25th anniversary and Change of Command Ceremony; and, also a ceremony to award Sailors for their heroic actions during the collision that happened 2 years ago this August.

If you search the anniversary on the web – I can be seen in the back ground behind Cindy McCain and the other speakers as they speak.
Following is the link to the Ship’s 25th Anniversary and Change-of-Command Video: https://www.dvidshub.net/video/694853/uss-john-s-mccain-change-command-and-25th-anniversary-commissioning
Chaplain Stephens’ Invocation and Benediction can be viewed at 00:06:15 and 1.00:50 minutes respectively on the video.
JAPAN
07.02.2019
YOKOSUKA,
Japan (July 02, 2019) – Cmdr. Ryan T. Easterday relieves Cmdr. Micah D. Murphy
as commanding officer during a change of command ceremony aboard USS John S.
McCain (DDG 56). Cindy H. McCain, wife of the late Sen. John S. McCain III and
ship’s sponsor, were among the distinguished guests in attendance. The ceremony
also commemorates the 25th anniversary of the ship’s commissioning. (U.S. Navy
video/Released)
Video Program Events: (Hours:Minutes:Seconds)
00:06:15 – Chaplain Jonathan Stephens,
Chaplain – Invocation
00:08:31
– Cmdr. Micah D. Murphy, Outgoing Commanding Officer
00:16:13 – Capt. Chase R. Sargeant, Thirteenth Commanding Officer (2013-2015)
00:22:01 – Capt. Jeffrey J. Kim, Tenth Commanding Officer (2009-2010)
00:27:40 – Capt. Jake K. Ross, Retired, Commissioning Commanding Officer
(1994-1996)
00:37:26 – Mrs. Cindy H. McCain, Ship Sponsor
00:55:04 – Cmdr. Ryan T. Easterday, Incoming Commanding Officer
01:00:50 – Chaplain Jonathan Stephens, Chaplain – Benediction
For more stories by and about CBAmerica Chaplains, military and civilian, visit our webpage at www.cbamerica.org/chaplaincy . For information on endorsement for chaplain positions in the US Navy or other military branches, contact Andy Meverden, Director of Chaplaincy at chapandy@cbamerica.org