HMCS Djuna M. Hayes-Jones

[DocLat]

I received word this morning that HMCS Hayes-Jones died of a Heart Attack this morning in Portsmouth, Va.

I had the honor of serving with her at NSHS Portsmouth and USNH Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. We may not have seen eye to eye on occasion, but I had the utmost respect for her.

For many years this sailor stood the watch.
While some of us were in our bunks at night, this sailor stood the watch.
While some of us were in school learning our trade, this Shipmate stood the watch.
Yes.. even before some of us were born into this world, this Shipmate stood the watch.
In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history, this Shipmate stood the watch.
Many times she would cast an eye ashore and see her family standing there, needing her guidance and help.
Needing that hand to hold during those hard times, But she still stood the watch.
She stood the watch for all these years.
She stood the watch so that we, our families and our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety, each and every night.
Knowing that a sailor stood the watch.
Today we are here to say 'Shipmate... the watch stands relieved.
Relieved by those You have Trained, Guided, and Lead. Shipmate you stand relieved.. We have the watch..."

HM1 Mike Latimer USN Ret.

[sweetpealadybug]

I had the honor of serving with HMCS Hayes-Jones while stationed at Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton. She first arrived as Petty Officer Second Class Hayes-Jones. She and I share many stories and esp. her best of Roy Ayers CD. Last I saw her was when she was checking out of housing at Camp Pendleton. I helped her pack a few boxes and returned the CD. She was truly a very warm, wonderful and thoughtful woman. She would often let me put my hands in the paraffin wax in the Occupational Hand Clinic. It felt so good. I will miss her gentle spirit and will pray for her family and ALL of us who knew her. I'm really sad right now.

God Bless you Sweetheart,
HM1 Kimberley A. Smith, USN, Ret.