USO Show a Big Success on Truman

ABOARD USS HARRY S. TRUMAN, At Sea (NNS) -- The United Service Organizations (USO) held a special show for the crew of USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Dec. 15 aboard the ship while anchored off Manama, Bahrain.

More than 1,000 Truman and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 Sailors and Marines assembled in the hangar bay to welcome and enjoy television personality Leeann Tweeden, former Denver Broncos quarterback John Elway and legendary comedian Robin Williams.

AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” boomed through the hangar to herald the arrival of a very special and honored speaker, Air Force Gen. Richard Myers, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Myers thanked the crew for their efforts as the only deployed aircraft carrier currently in the Persian Gulf area of responsibility.

“This is a great thing for the Sailors out here,” said Myers of the event, “especially during this time of year when it’s harder being away from home.”

After Myers spoke, Tweeden addressed the excited crew and Elway tossed a few autographed footballs into the crowd.

Comedian Blake Clark, known for his roles in movies such as “The Waterboy,” “Joe Dirt” and “50 First Dates,” entertained crew members with a rousing comedy routine, which preceded Williams’ much-anticipated act.

Following the hilarity, the celebrities and Myers signed autographs and posed for pictures with Sailors and Marines.

“It’s awesome to be over here with the troops,” said Elway. “This is my first experience doing this, and it’s been a great experience.”

The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, consisting of USS Barry (DDG 52), USS Mason (DDG 87), USS Monterey (CG 61), USNS Arctic (T-AOE 8) and USS Albuquerque (SSN 706) deployed Oct. 13 for its second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the global war on terrorism.

For related news, visit the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn75.