Robstown native provides chaplain services in the high seas

Lt. Robert J. Chapa, chaplain aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island, Lance Cpl. Crystal Rubio from El Paso and Pfc. Diego A. Munoz Holguin from Orlando, Fla., perform readings as part of a Palm Sunday Mass aboard dock landing ship USS Comstock. The ships are in the training phase in preparation for an upcoming deployment. Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Robin W. Peak, U.S. Navy

A MV-22 Osprey, with engines roaring, waits on the flight deck for its next mission. Fueled-up and pilots on station, only one more passenger needs to board: Lt. Robert J. Chapa, Roman Catholic chaplain aboard USS Makin Island.

Transported by “Holy Helo,” a term used for helicopters transporting chaplains, Father Chapa—a native of Robstown and a member of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity—landed on the deck of USS Comstock on Palm Sunday. Roman Catholic sailors and marines aboard got the opportunity to attend Sunday Mass.

This was Father Chapa’s first trip visiting another ship in the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group. Comstock does not have a Roman Catholic priest permanently assigned to its chaplain department.

“One of our jobs as chaplains is to facilitate so that everybody has the opportunity to worship,” said Cmdr. Timothy Moore, from Easley, S.C., command chaplain aboard Makin Island.

There are two chaplains on Comstock, two on USS San Diego and Makin Island has four. Father Chapa is the only Roman Catholic priest in the entire Amphibious Ready Group.

Amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island is home base for Father Robert A. Chapa, SOLT one of only 48 chaplains in the U.S. Navy. Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Robin W. Peak, U.S. Navy

“There are only 48 Roman Catholic priests currently serving as active duty chaplains in the Navy, so we’re spread out thin,” Father Chapa said. “That’s why it’s important that I go out to other ships to provide that service.”

Upon arrival on Comstock, Father Chapa and his assistant, Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Paul M. Ludlam,from Dearborn, Mich., wasted no time preparing the chapel on board for Mass.

Moore also said that moving forward into deployment, he would like to get Father Chapa out to each of the ships in the Amphibious Ready Group at least once a month to minister and celebrate Mass.

“He’s an excellent priest,” Moore said. “I am very pleased with Father Chapa’s willingness to be able to do exactly what our mission is as chaplains. He’s called to serve and is willing to serve. It’s important for everybody to have an opportunity to worship.”

The Mass lasted roughly 45 minutes and approximately 20 sailors and marines participated in the Liturgy.

Sailors aboard Comstock expressed their gratitude for Father Chapa’s visit.

“Father Chapa’s Mass was very refreshing,” said Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class Albert Raymond Bruan, from West Orange, N.J. “It is important to strengthen faith especially in trying times like training cycles and deployment.”

Lt. Byron T. Johnson, Chaplain aboard Comstock expressed his appreciation for the Mass.

“Our ship really appreciated Chaplain Chapa’s visit,” Johnson said. “We have many Catholics onboard and it is a blessing to have a priest willing to fly in to provide the religious needs of our service men and women.”

The following day, Father Chapa once again boarded a “Holy Helo” and left Comstock to return to Makin Island.

“I enjoyed going out to the ships. The sailors were very welcoming,” Father Chapa said. “It was all good.”

Father Chapa was ordained at the Corpus Christi Cathedral on July 16, 2007.