By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Nicholas A. Groesch, USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs
WESTERN PACIFIC OCEAN (NNS) -- Comedians from Comics on Duty performed standup comedy shows for Sailors and Marines aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) April 10 and 11.
Celebrity comedians Tom Foss, a 20-year comedy veteran, and Danny Villalpando, a comedian for more than 16 years, visited Ronald Reagan to help crewmembers relax and boost morale through laughter. The comedians were flown onto the ship took a tour, greeted crewmembers, and also observed flight operations before performing.
"I love the ship. I think the ship is great," said Villalpando. "We got to go inside the bubble [flight deck bubble] which was definitely entertaining. Everyone aboard Ronald Reagan is as sweet as can be."
Ronald Reagan's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Fun Boss Kendra Smith helped plan and coordinate the event.
"They say laughter is the best medicine, and it's helpful when you've been at sea for awhile," said Smith.
Yeoman Seaman Jasmin Moraleslicea was appreciative that entertainers would make the journey to Ronald Reagan while the ship is underway.
"They put everything they were doing in their lives on hold to come here and entertain us," Moraleslicea. "It means a lot to the crew that they would take time to do that."
Villalpando performed first, sharing a comedy routine he said was inspired from his personal experiences in life. He was followed by Foss, who delighted the crowd with his comedy routine, which he described as "mistakes" from his life that everyone can laugh at.
"I don't write many jokes, I just re-tell stories," said Foss, with a laugh.
With every seat in the mess deck filled, and standing room only during the event, the Comics on Duty event was a success with Villalpando and Foss creating many new fans.
"It was great to see so many of the ship's crew attending the comedy show," said Smith. "I'm curious to see how many people have clicked the "Like' button on Tom Foss and Danny Villalpando's Facebook pages after last night's show."
After the show the comedians took pictures with the crew, handed out Comics on Duty patches, and autographed photos.
"It is an awesome feeling to be able to help raise morale," said Villalpando. "You guys have been out here for 67 days; you need a good laugh."
Foss expressed his feelings on performing for service members.
"As a comedian I use my freedom of speech to make a living," said Foss. "To get to entertain the people who defend my most precious freedom is very rewarding."
Villalpando agreed with the sentiment.
Comics on Duty, sponsored by Navy Entertainment, has been entertaining troops around the globe since 1992.
The Ronald Reagan strike group is currently deployed and operating in the Western Pacific Ocean.
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