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Super Bowl XXXVII, TR Style
Story Number: NNS030130-01
Release Date: 1/30/2003 6:26:00 AM
By Journalist 3rd Class Kathryn Whittenberger, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs
ABOARD USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (NNS) -- The bulkheads of USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) echoed Sunday with sounds familiar to sports fans: yelling, stomping, shouts of victory and moans of defeat.
It was the Super Bowl, and again, TR was out to sea.
America’s Big Stick witnessed the Super Bowl last year in the middle of the North Arabian Sea while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. This year, the ship is in the middle of the Caribbean Sea completing its Composite Training Unit Exercise (COMPTUEX).
The turnout was a mixture of people in every color of flight deck jersey, mixed with coveralls and utilities, as well as civilian clothes authorized for the special event. No matter what they were wearing, the crew shared the same expressions of waiting until a team scored. Then half of the crowd erupted into cheers, and the others mourned the mistakes of their team.
“I think everyone’s having a great time,” said TR’s Commanding Officer Capt. Rich O’Hanlon. “It’s a great turn out and a festive occasion. MWR (Morale Welfare and Recreation) did a spectacular job!”
The ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation division brought out its giant projection TV and had snacks galore for the festivities, including nachos, chili and buffalo wings.
O’Hanlon did his part to rile up the crowd by throwing plush footballs into the crowd, along with little desk football games. The throng, which was a mix of people sitting, standing and jumping around, responded enthusiastically to the prizes. Other items given away as door prizes included portable DVD players and CD players.
After handing out prizes, O’Hanlon stepped off the podium to watch the halftime show and commented on the game.
“If New York isn’t in it, I’m not rooting for anyone. But I have a lot of family in Tampa, so I’ll pull for the Bucs,” he said.
Throughout the commercial breaks, TR’s MWR threw out more novelty items, including light necklaces, noisemakers and Superbowl T-shirts. The crowd howled back their approval with each item thrown and each score made.
“Good wings, great fun, and a much needed boost to morale,” was the summary from Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Jason Davis.
The evening's festivities wouldn't have been as tasty without planning and hard work in the ship's galley.
“We’ve been planning this event for a couple of days, and things are going smoothly,” said Mess Specialist 1st Class Jeffrey Loncto, who helped serve nachos, chili and buffalo wings, as well as the ever-popular ice cream, to the crew.
“It’s a great party!” said TR’s Fun Boss and head of MWR Christine Cramer, who extended a heart-felt thanks to Supply, Hangar Bay, Weapons, Security and Combat System for pulling together and making everything happen. “The crew is having a great time. The crowd is riled up, and we’re giving away a bunch of prizes. It’s great to see so much excitement!”
So, what was the best part of the party?
“I think MWR and supply are doing a great job, but the commercials are still the best!” stated Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 3rd Class Dana Cichonski.
To others, the chance to hang out with the rest of the crew was the enticement to watch the game.
“I probably know half of these clowns up here,” said Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class James Kincaid, who is due to transfer in about a month. “This is probably my last chance to say good-bye, and I can catch the game at the same time.”
The game came at a bit more convenient time than last year, when the ship was eight hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
“It’s a great turnout, much better than last year’s 3 a.m. party,” said TR’s administration officer, Lt. Cdr. Terry Chauncey. “Go Bucs!”
For some, the chance to enjoy themselves and having a distraction from work made the party even better.
“It’s nice to be able to see the game out to sea,” said Interior Communication Electrician 2nd Class Jonquil Hagan. “It takes your mind off what is really going on.”
Part of the crew was reminded of previous games with friends and family.
“This is great,” said Lt. David Stroud, Carrier Air Wing 8 chaplain. “It makes me feel like I’m at home.”
Everyone who showed up seemed to have a good time.
“It’s definitely a morale booster,” said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Justin Anderson. “You can tell that by the turnout.”
MWR has even more things in store for TR’s crew.
“I have great things planned for the flight deck picnic on the 5th that I know the crew is going to enjoy!” said Cramer.
For related news, visit the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn71.
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