Sailors and Marines from the USS Whidbey Island were able to visit Rome in January and received a blessing from Pope Benedict XVI while there.

The group traveled from Naples to Rome to attend Pope Benedict’s weekly Wednesday general audience at Vatican City.

The pope welcomed groups from all over the world and then specifically mentioned the U.S. service members. “I also greet the group of Sailors and Marines from the United States and accord to you and your families God’s abundant blessings.”

Not all of the troops were Catholic, but all seemed to appreciate the significance of the event.

“For someone who is not Catholic, it was still an overwhelming and an amazing thing to know that someone, such a high and popular person, is welcoming you in front of all these people,” said Cpl. Weston Sherwood…

Much like troops in the Middle East have been able to see Mecca and ancient Ur, these sailors and Marines were able to see the historic Vatican:

service members toured St. Peter’s Basilica and the excavations under the basilica, known as “The Scavi Tour”, which ended at the bones of St. Peter, the first pope of the Catholic church…

“It was one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences,” said Cpl. Evan Carrillo. “It was overwhelming at first, seeing all those sights, and all the history surrounding them. I still feel that sense of being overwhelmed…”

The Whidbey Island was at sea for more than 10 months before returning home.  While home and loved ones are probably on their mind, they still appreciate the ability to see once-in-a-lifetime experiences.  Join the Navy, see the world — including sites that may be significant to your faith, all on Uncle Sam’s dime.