George Washington Sailors Meet Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David A. Cox, USS George Washington Public Affairs

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Sailors aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) gathered on the forward mess decks for a chance to meet the Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders during their visit to the ship Feb. 7.

Kaylee, one of cheerleaders, said that being able to go out to Japan and meet the Sailors aboard George Washington was a new and rewarding experience for her.

"We are here to lift the spirits of our Sailors because we appreciate everything that they do," said Kaylee. "We are very grateful from the bottom of our hearts for what they do and we wanted to bring them a piece of home."

The cheerleaders visited the ship's bridge, hangar bay, medical facility, and mess decks where they signed posters and took pictures with Sailors.

"In the year that I have been aboard George Washington, this visit has been one of the highlights," said Aviation Machinist's Mate Seaman Sherman King. "This was something to look forward to, especially with a lot of us stuck on the ship for duty while everyone else is out enjoying the Super Bowl."

"Even though my favorite football team is the Dallas Cowboys, this is still something that I can brag to my family and friends back home about," said King. "How many people can claim that they got to interact with real NFL cheerleaders."

George Washington is the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier, ensuring security and stability across the western Pacific Ocean.

During the Super Bowl, Sailors aboard the ship were able to watch the game in the ship's mess decks and wardrooms. The ship's leadership also provided chicken wings, pizza and sodas for the Sailors to enjoy during the game.