ARABIAN GULF (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) celebrated the holidays with a USO tour holiday visit, Dec. 23.
Some of the talent included Olympic gold medalist Shaun White, country music artist Kellie Pickler, actor Wilmer Valderrama, and comedian Jessimae Peluso.
The group performed a show for the crew in the ship’s hangar bay, and crew members were able to meet with their favorite talent.
“I’ve been so proud to be a member of the USO because it has enabled me to be able to travel the world and see my brothers and sisters who are making the American flag so proud,” said Valderrama.
Sailors were moved by the support shown by the USO group.
“It’s hard being away from family and friends during the holiday season, but it helps us get through the long days when you see people you admire from TV and sports come out and talk to us and support us,” said Damage Controlman 2nd Class Amanda Skelton, from Cleburne, Texas. “I felt proud and loved.”
General Joseph Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also visited the crew to show his support during the tour.
“I want to wish you happy holidays, and since I know you won’t be home this season, I wanted to bring a little bit of home to you,” said Dunford.
The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in support of naval operations to ensure maritime stability and security in the Central Region, connecting the Mediterranean and the Pacific through the western Indian Ocean and three strategic choke points.
For more news on John C. Stennis, visit www.stennis.navy.mil or follow along on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stennis74.
Follow the tour on Joint Staff social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and Flickr.