Country, Rock Music Artists Visit USS Scout

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brianna K. Dandridge, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to USS Scout (MCM 8) took a much needed break from daily maintenance operations as country artist, Natalie Stovall and members of the rock band SafetySuit paid a visit to the ship July 8.

According Stovall, the visit was important and allowed her to do something special for the military community.

The musicians were thrilled by the opportunity to play for the troops and visit a U.S. Navy ship, said Stovall.

"This trip has been a great experience, and it has been an honor to be able to play for the troops," said Stovall.

Stovall is relatively new to the country music scene, beginning her career as a child performer in Opryland Kid's Club.

The performers also held a free concert at Naval Support Activity (NSA) Bahrain July 7, sponsored by Navy Entertainment and the base's Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

During a tour of Scout, the artists were shown the ship's bridge, mess decks and command information center. Following their tour, Stovall and the members of SafetySuit met with Sailors for autographs and pictures.

Many of Scout's Sailors were able to attend the concert at NSA Bahrain and were excited by the opportunity to meet the performers in person.

"The concert was really good," said Mineman 2nd Class Christopher Southland. "It was cool to meet them."

Stovall and SafetySuit are currently travelling throughout the 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility (AOR) performing at military installations. Next they will travel to Djibouti and USS Nassau (LHA 4) to perform.

"Serving the troops was an opportunity that I just couldn't pass up," said Zack Morse, SafetySuit band member. "It has been a pleasure to perform for them."

Scout operates in support of ongoing 5th Fleet AOR maritime security operations (MSO), with the ability to protect ships and their crews from seemingly invisible threats in the water. Additionally, seaborne mine countermeasure ships contribute to MSO by conducting waterborne security missions and protecting oil platforms. The ships also perform escort duties, direct liaison and joint operations with coalition patrol forces and combatants.