Photos

250506-N-KC192-1014

250506-N-KC192-1014 PORTSMOUTH, Va. (May 6, 2025) Capt. William Hlavin, the regional chaplain assigned to Naval Medical Forces Atlantic (NMFL), blesses the hands of Sailors and staff during a blessing of the hands ceremony held during National Nurses Week for NMFL nurses and staff as all are a part of the healing team onboard Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads - Portsmouth Annex, May 6, 2025. Blessing of the hands is a moment of celebration and thanksgiving in recognition of a caregiver’s hands with oils or water and symbolizes how hands are used to deliver care and compassion. The Blessing of the Hands symbolizes the sacred role of healers and connects to Spiritual Readiness by affirming a caregiver’s sense of purpose, compassion, and inner strength to serve others with honor and resilience. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Levi Decker)