The Canadian Detachment at the Naval Ocean Processing Facility Whidbey Island (NOPFWI) held its annual Christmas Dinner on Dec. 10. In keeping with Canadian naval tradition the youngest member, LS Jason Vellow became Commanding Officer for the day, while junior officers and senior sailors acted as servers at the Dinner.

Thirty three members of the Canadian Detachment hosted 37 of their United States Naval counter-parts, introducing them to such staples as Moose Milk.

Santa, also known as Petty Officer 1st Class Fred Higenell, made an appearance late in the dinner. The jolly old fellow handed out a few gifts to deserving individuals, such as a ‘work-out Elmo’ for the Chief Clerk and a ‘stress ball’ for Leading Seaman (for a day) Doug McLean, whose usual responsibilities as OIC will ensure frequent opportunities to use it.

The biggest, and most important, present of the day was one that came as a surprise for Santa: a pair of Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class (CPO2) epaulettes for St Nick himself. Newly promoted CPO2 Higenell beamed broadly over his white beard as his promotion was announced.