The Source for Navy News
Harlem Globetrotters Visit IKE
Story Number: NNS061213-23
12/13/2006
By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Seth Scarlett, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower Public Affairs
ABOARD USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (NNS) -- The world famous Harlem Globetrotters visited the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) Dec. 11-13, bringing great basketball and entertainment to Ike Sailors deployed in the Persian Gulf.
Priding themselves on being “Ambassadors of Goodwill,” the Harlem Globetrotters have entertained more than 123 million people in more than 100 different countries.
“A Globetrotter is a great basketball player, a skilled entertainer, a charismatic individual, one who has integrity, and one who is an ambassador of goodwill,” said Globetrotters power forward Eugene “Killer” Edgerson. “It’s not only about representing ourselves and basketball, but also the United States of America.”
Currently in the middle of a 21-day, Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) sponsored tour of the Middle East, which began on Nov. 25, the popular Globetrotters are scheduled to visit 12 U.S. military bases located in five countries including Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Djibouti and Qatar.
This marks their third consecutive year visiting U.S. troops overseas during the holiday season.
“Navy MWR and Armed Forces Entertainment cooperatively bring morale enhancing shows to improve quality of life of Sailors at sea,” said Karen Fritz, Navy Entertainment program manager.
“It just feels great,” said Harlem Globetrotter master showman Paul “Showtime” Gaffney. “I don’t think there’s anything better in the world than being part of an organization that brings happiness and joy to people.”
“The satisfaction of the fans is what matters, at the end of the game, you will not remember the score, but the great time you had, and that’s what it’s all about- everybody coming together and having a great time,” Edgerson said.
During a meet and greet on the mess decks, Sailors aboard Ike had the chance to sit down and talk to the Globetrotters and tell them a little about themselves.
“They’re very friendly and approachable,” said Aviation Ordnanceman 1st Class (AW) Larry Frost. “One of the Globetrotters is from my hometown, and we just started talking about stuff from back home.”
“However many Sailors I come across and talk to, I will try to remember their stories,” said Edgerson. “The richest people in the world can’t pay enough to have the experience I’m having with you all right now.”
The Globetrotters hosted a basketball game against the New York Nationals Dec. 12, in Ike’s hangar bay.
“Just being able to see what goes on behind the scenes with the Navy and meeting new people is a whole other world for us to see, and we appreciate you all like you appreciate us,” said Jake Royal, shooting guard for the Nationals.
The Globetrotters and Nationals put on a spectacular show for Sailors by combining their great basketball skills with sketch comedy routines.
The show started off with Harlem Globetrotters’ mascot “Globie” warming up the crowd with music, dancing, and throwing basketballs out to Sailors.
Ike Commanding Officer, Capt. Dan Cloyd, announced the Globetrotters as they came running out onto the court to their theme music, with the packed hangar bay cheering them on.
The show continued with the Globetrotters’ patented “Magic Circle,” a series of comedy skits that had Ike Sailors roaring with laughter, and amazing basketball skills that brought cheers and screams from the crowd.
“I just loved it,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Meghan Isadore, a Sailor with Ike’s S-3 division. “I got all of their autographs on my basketball.”
After the show Ike Sailors were treated to another meet and greet with the Globetrotters, and a chance to get autographs and pictures taken with the team.
“This is a great American team, and they put on a good show,” said Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Douglas Campora with Weapons Department’s G3 division. “They’re happy to be here and are doing something great for us, and that makes me proud to be a Sailor.”
For related news, visit the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn69/.