July 16, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Release #081-10

Country And Rock Bands Perform On Nassau

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Jonathan Pankau

USS NASSAU, At Sea – Crewmembers of the USS Nassau (LHA 4) were treated to a performance by country music artist Natalie Stovall and alternative rock band SafteySuit while the ship transited the 5th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR) July 10.

The Navy Entertainment-sponsored event was the final stop in a tour that brought the performers to 30 military bases both stateside and overseas to perform, tour facilities, and sign autographs for Sailors and Marines.

“I don’t think we’ve ever played a cooler venue than overlooking the flight deck of a Navy warship surrounded by the ocean,” said SafetySuit’s lead singer Doug Brown. “While we were touring with 3 Doors Down, they told us that the most important thing is to take time out of our schedules to support the military. Playing on the huge flight deck with three Harriers facing us really put the military’s hard work and effort into perspective.”

Stovall said she was impressed with the set up when Nassau Commanding Officer Capt. Ronald Reis, explained to her how the ship’s AV-8B Harriers from the Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 162 (VMM 162) “Golden Eagles” take off from the flight deck.

“After he was done I asked him why the jets and helicopters were facing the opposite direction,” Stovall said. “He said it was so we had something awesome to look at while we performed. I was really choked up by that because we came out to play for you guys, who sacrifice everything for our country, and you still take the time to do little things like reposition Harriers and Ospreys to let us know how much you appreciate us too.”

Stovall and SafetySuit were all in agreement that the military venues they played brought out the best crowds. They added that they’re always excited to play for the military because of the level of energy coming from the crowd.

“When Stovall played ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia’ I just had to get up and line dance,” said Marine Cpl. Travis Cruse.

Informational displays and demonstrations were set up throughout the ship for the guests, which included one for the Marine Corps martial arts program (MCMAP) and a weapons demonstration.

“I was impressed at how approachable the rock stars were,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Jeremy Wilson, from Cleveland. “One of the guitarists from SafetySuit even wrestled around with the Marines during the MCMAP demonstration. You could tell they really wanted to be here and they supported everything we do.”

The Nassau Amphibious Ready Group (ARG)/ 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) were relieved by the Pelileu ARG and 15th MEU July 14 and are returning to their homeport of Norfolk, Va.

NAS ARG is comprised of ships from Amphibious Squadron Eight (PHIBRON 8) including the Tarawa-class multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4), the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) and the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48). Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit (24 MEU) complete the group.