USS Ronald Reagan Hosts NCAA Holiday Bowl Luncheon

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Alexander Tidd, USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) hosted the Navy-Marine Corps Holiday Bowl Luncheon in the ship's hangar bay December 28 as part of Bowl Week festivities leading up to the big game between the University of Nebraska and University of Washington.

The Navy-Marine Corps Holiday Bowl Luncheon is an annual event held aboard an aircraft carrier or large deck amphibious assault ship pier side in San Diego the week of the Holiday Bowl.

After a "battle of the bands" on the pier between the marching bands from each school, members of the two football teams and faculty dined with the Ronald Reagan crew before taking tours of the ship.

"Having this luncheon gives these two teams a chance to look at what the Navy does," said Cmdr. Kevin Lenox, Ronald Reagan's executive officer. "This is an opportunity for two very different types of warriors to interact and see what they are all about."

The experience proved enlightening for both the Sailors and the athletes from the two universities.

"I've never had an opportunity like this before," said Air Traffic Controller 3rd Class (AW) Robert Hoth. "It's been very interesting to sit and chat with these guys. Looking around, I realized that they aren't really any different than us."

Sitting across from Hoth during lunch was Marquis Persley, a safety for the Washington Huskies.

"I couldn't help but realize that the guys who are running this massive machine could be the same guys I went to high school with," said Persley. "We both have such different responsibilities, but only because we chose different paths."

Two Ronald Reagan Sailors were surprised with the gift of a very unique experience when they were named honorary captains for each team.

"When they called my name, I couldn't believe it," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW/EXW/SCI) Jay Norris, a Washington state native and Ronald Reagan's Sailor of the Quarter. "I've been a fan for as long as I can remember. I don't know what to expect, but I'm completely pumped for my inside look into college football and my favorite team."

Electronics Technician 3rd Class Morgan Ryan was just as excited to hear he would be viewing the game from the opposing side of Qualcomm Stadium.

"I was very surprised because I didn't know I had entered," said Ryan. "I haven't been to a 'Huskers game in over four years, and to be down on the field will be incredible. I can't wait to meet Alex Henery (University of Nebraska's kicker)."

The players are being shown the best of San Diego while in town for Bowl Week, with stops at the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld and many other attractions. But the players insisted their time aboard Ronald Reagan was the highlight of their week.

"As soon as we came on board, I was thinking 'get me to the flight deck,'" said Persley. "I've never been on anything close to this before. It's been great."

The benefit of all this attention is an inside look into the lesser-known aspects of the Navy, said Dave Koontz, the chairman of Military Affairs for the Holiday Bowl Board of Directors.

"For most of these guys, this is their first contact with the military," said Koontz, a former Navy public affairs officer. "It's as much fun for the players as it is for the Sailors. They're rubbing elbows with each other, getting to know the different facets of two different lifestyles. Most guys say it's their highlight of Bowl Week."

For more news from USS Ronald Reagan and the Ronald Reagan Strike Group, visit www.reagan.navy.mil or visit the official USS Ronald Reagan Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Coronado-CA/USS-Ronald-Reagan/212147332020?ref=ts&ajaxpipe=1&__a=24.