Standing the Watch: A Holiday Tradition of Service
Posted onWhile most Americans sleep soundly on the night of December 24th, anticipating the joy of Christmas morning, thousands of Sailors and Marines stand their posts around the world. From the wind-swept decks of destroyers patrolling distant seas to the hushed control rooms of submarines deep beneath the waves, and at Marine Corps forward operating bases, the watch continues—as it has since the founding of our Navy and Marine Corps.
To honor their sacrifice and unwavering dedication, Old Salt Coffee partnered with country music artist Brandon Davis to compose the song “Stand The Watch.” This heartfelt tribute captures the essence of service and sacrifice, and the accompanying music video, filmed in Hawaii, celebrates the beauty and strength of those who serve. Watch it here on YouTube.
The First Holiday Watch
When USS Constitution first slipped her lines in 1798, she established a tradition that endures to this day. On her first Christmas, as Boston’s church bells rang out across the harbor, her crew maintained their vigilance. The officer of the deck paced the quarterdeck, the lookouts scanned the horizon, and below decks, Sailors tended to their duties with the same dedication they showed every other day of the year.
“The watch must be stood,” wrote a young midshipman in his personal log that Christmas Eve. “The safety of the ship and her crew depends not on the day marked in the calendar, but on the vigilance of those who stand ready.”
Today, USS Constitution still stands as a powerful symbol of our Navy’s heritage and the unbroken line of Sailors who continue to serve, standing the watch during holidays and beyond.
The Meaning of the Watch
Standing watch during the holidays carries a special weight. It’s a reminder that the Navy and Marine Corps missions never pause—not for storms, not for celebrations, and not even for the most cherished holidays. This unwavering commitment to duty has been passed down through generations of Sailors and Marines, each understanding that their vigilance ensures others can celebrate in peace.
During World War II, USS Enterprise’s Christmas Day log entry for 1944 simply stated: “Steaming as before.” Those three words carried the weight of duty, sacrifice, and dedication. While families back home gathered around Christmas trees, her crew maintained their stations, protecting the fleet and ensuring the mission continued.
Admiral Jonathan Greenert, former Chief of Naval Operations, aptly described the U.S. Navy as "America’s Away Team," emphasizing the Navy’s role in operating forward to deter aggression and maintain peace far from home.
Reflecting on standing watch during the holidays, Chief Petty Officer James Robertson once noted:
"Standing watch on Christmas Eve reminds me of the sacrifices made by those before us. It's a tradition of service that we proudly continue."
General James N. Mattis also reflected on this sacrifice, saying:
"The freedoms we enjoy, the freedoms we celebrate at Christmastime, are not free. They come with a heavy responsibility borne by those who stand the watch, often far from home and family."
Traditions of Support
Over the centuries, naval and Marine Corps commands have developed unique traditions to support their holiday watchstanders:
- Leadership Serving Meals: Many commands continue the custom of senior leaders serving holiday meals to the duty section. This gesture, while simple, reminds Sailors and Marines that their sacrifices are seen and appreciated.
- Small Gifts for Watchstanders: Chiefs’ Messes and Marine unit leadership often organize treats or small gifts to distribute to duty sections. These tokens carry the spirit of camaraderie and acknowledgment.
- Midnight Chow: In carrier strike groups, admirals’ staffs often deliver coffee and holiday treats to watchstanders during midnight hours. This tradition ensures no Sailor or Marine stands the watch alone, even on the holidays.
Honoring Our Watchstanders
As we approach Christmas, it’s important to recognize the dedication of Sailors and Marines who remain vigilant, no matter the hour. This season, you can honor their commitment in meaningful ways. While it may be too late to ship care packages, digital gift cards are a perfect option for the watchstander in your life—or anyone who understands the meaning of “standing the watch.”
Fair Winds to Our Watchstanders
To all those standing the watch this holiday season—whether you’re scanning horizons, monitoring equipment, maintaining security, or leading from the front—know that your service honors a tradition as old as the Navy and Marine Corps themselves. While others sleep peacefully or celebrate with their families, you maintain the watch, just as generations of Sailors and Marines have done before you.
From all of us at Old Salt Coffee, we salute you. Fair winds and following seas this holiday season.
Honor a Watchstander: Send an Instant Gift Card
Show your appreciation for the Sailors and Marines standing the watch this Christmas. Whether for a loved one, a shipmate, or someone you admire, an Old Salt Coffee digital gift card is the perfect way to honor their dedication while sharing the joy of premium coffee.
