Big 'E' Hosts Country Music Star

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Michael Croft, USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At sea (NNS) -- Country music celebrity Toby Keith visited thousands of Sailors and Marines aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65), April 23.

Keith has long been associated with his public support of the U.S. military and has participated in many USO tours and performances for deployed troops.

The trip to Enterprise is Keith's first time touring a deployed U.S. Navy ship.

Before performing for the crew in the ship's hangar bay, Keith and his band members had a chance to tour the ship, to meet the crew and see exactly what it is they do on board the "city-at-sea" called USS Enterprise.

"Spending time with our troops around the world is something I've always regarded as a privilege and honor," said Keith. "I won't forget for a second who's really doing the heavy lifting to keep this country safe. And that's why I'll keep going back and spending time with those good folks every chance I get."

Prior to the show, Sailors and Marines had the opportunity to eat dinner with Keith and his crew.

"I had a great time at the dinner," said Yeoman Seaman Joshua A. Wright. "It's not everyday you get to eat dinner with Toby Keith and his crew."

During the show Keith wore an Enterprise tee shirt to show the crowd how proud he is with the ship and her crew.

"I think the concert was great for the crew," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class (SW/AW) Darren Villano. "After what this ship has been through so far this deployment, this concert is exactly what the doctor ordered. This is such a morale booster for the crew."

Keith spent most of the time on stage singing his award-winning songs and spoke to the crowd in between them. He received extremely loud cheers when he began his hit song 'Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,' which is a song about 9/11 and Operation Enduring Freedom, which the ship has supported during its current deployment.

"I am thankful for every one of you and what you do for our country," said Keith. "I will remember this trip for the rest of my life."

Enterprise and Carrier Air Wing 1 are in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility on a routine deployment to conduct maritime security operations and to provide support to operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn.