Montel Williams Visits Ike, Brings Families Together During Deployment
Story Number: NNS061206-09
Release Date: 12/6/2006 1:32:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Carla Morton, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs
ABOARD USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER, At Sea (NNS) -- Talk show host Montel Williams visited the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), "Ike," Dec. 3 for an overnight visit in the Persian Gulf to bring families closer together and to give Sailors a chance to send warm holiday greetings to the people who support them from home.
During his trip to Ike, he conducted interviews for his holiday shows.
"We originally started off thinking that we were going to tape one show but by the time I get done, I may have three shows," said Williams. "I have been walking around the ship asking people if they want to do shout-outs to family back home and they said yes. I am going to cut those into my commercial breaks to remind the people back home that there are military people over [seas] serving their country."
Williams said the Sailors are what compelled him to travel the distance to tape the show.
"We see all the stories on the news, but we never get to see the people," said Williams. "In the news, they talk about the aircraft carriers and the planes, but nobody talks about the fact that there are people on the ships. They are brothers, fathers, sisters, mothers, aunts, uncles and cousins. Our family members are out here, and that is why I wanted to come out here."
Williams had the opportunity to thank Sailors for what they are doing while deployed, and some thanked him for what he is doing to shed light on life at sea.
"This was definitely a morale boost," said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class Patrick Reynolds from Ike's Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department. "Families get to see up close and personal what we do. That is important because we are so far away."
In addition to allowing service members to send greetings to family, Williams brought taped messages for a few Sailors from their families.
"I met a Sailor, and I had to bring a tape out here so he could see his newborn baby for the first time. That is the kind of thing that people back home don't understand, and I want to make them understand," said Williams.
As a former enlisted Marine and naval officer, Williams understands the hardships with being away from home for extended periods of time.
"I think that it is awesome that he took the time to come out here," said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class Steven Winkler. "It is obvious that he does this because he wants to and not for publicity. He was in the Navy, so he knows what we go through, and he cares about what we go through."
Raising awareness and support for deployed service members is important to Williams.
"I wanted to come out here, especially this time of year to make people at home stop for a second and understand that while they are sitting at home eating turkey, you guys are out here paying the price," said Williams. "This is where the rubber meets the road, and I want people to recognize that."
The visit gave Williams a chance to reminisce on a time when he, too, served aboard an aircraft carrier.
"This is great getting the chance to come back here in the same location that I was on with USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) and see the level of professionalism and camaraderie," said Williams. "It's the same as when I was on active duty, and I am so proud that the tradition is still going on."
Williams credits his success both personally and professionally to lessons he learned in the military service.
"The military taught me discipline, taught me a work ethic and a purpose in doing something right," said Williams.
Winkler said that Williams' visit lifted the spirits of many crew members.
"It really makes a difference when someone like him comes out here and shows that they really care about what we are doing," said Winkler. "It really boosts morale."
Ike departed its homeport of Norfolk, Va., Oct. 3, with the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group on a regularly scheduled deployment in support of maritime security operations (MSO). Ike and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7 have been flying missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom over Afghanistan since Nov. 6.
For related news, visit the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn69/.
