Country, Rock Bands Perform Aboard Nassau

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jonathan Pankau, USS Nassau (LHA 4) Public Affairs

USS NASSAU, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Nassau (LHA 4) Sailors were treated to live music performances while the ship transited in the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) July 10.

This event was the final stop for country music artist Natalie Stovall and alternative rock band SafteySuit.

They performed at 30 military bases stateside and overseas and signed autographs for Sailors and Marines.

"I don't think we've ever played a cooler venue than overlooking the flight deck of a Navy warship surrounded by the ocean," said Doug Brown, SafetySuit's lead singer. "While we were touring with 3 Doors Down, they told us that the most important thing is to take time out of our schedules to support the military. Playing on the huge flight deck with three Harriers facing us really put the military's hard work and effort into perspective."

Stovall was impressed when Nassau Commanding Officer Capt. Ronald Reis explained to her how the ship's AV-8B Harriers from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (VMM 162), the "Golden Eagles," take off from the flight deck.

"After he was done I asked him why the jets and helicopters were facing the opposite direction," Stovall said. "He said it was so we had something awesome to look at while we performed. I was really choked up by that because we came out to play for you guys, who sacrifice everything for our country, and you still take the time to do little things like reposition Harriers and Ospreys to let us know how much you appreciate us too."

Stovall and SafetySuit agreed the military shows they played are the best venues, citing the energy level from the crowds.

"When Stovall played 'The Devil Went Down to Georgia' I just had to get up and line dance," said Marine Cpl. Travis Cruse.

"I was impressed at how approachable the rock stars were," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Jeremy Wilson, from Cleveland. "One of the guitarists from SafetySuit even wrestled around with the Marines during the MCMAP (Marine Corps Martial Arts Program) demonstration. You could tell they really wanted to be here, and they supported everything we do."

The Nassau Amphibious Ready Group (ARG)/24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) were relieved by the Pelileu ARG and 15th MEU July 14 and are returning to their homeport of Norfolk.

NAS ARG is comprised of ships from Amphibious Squadron 8, including Nassau, USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and USS Ashland (LSD 48). Marines from the 24th MEU complete the group.