'American Idol' Performs For Sailors Aboard Ronald Reagan

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Hundreds of San Diego area Sailors and family members enjoyed a special holiday concert performance by 2006 "American Idol" Taylor Hicks Dec. 19 on the flight deck of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76).

The event, sponsored by the United Service Organizations (USO), also featured comedians Josh Blue and John Heffron. Both Blue and Heffron earned national attention after winning seasons of the hit NBC series "Last Comic Standing."

Hicks said he was amazed at the size of the ship and considered it to be an honor to perform for military personnel.

"As a kid I saw the USO Bob Hope stuff and I always had the dream of being an entertainer and having my music get out to the world," said Hicks. "I think this is the beginning of a long tour for me and the USO. I look forward to going overseas and performing. I can start right here on the Ronald Reagan."

In addition to the show on the flight deck, Sailors were also treated to free food and beverages in the ship's hangar bay, and each left with a special holiday gift bag from the USO.

According to Lt. Cmdr. Heidi Lenzini, Ronald Reagan's event coordinator, the show was an opportunity for the USO to pay tribute to military personnel for their work over the past year.

"Events like this help to give the crew a much-needed break from their daily routine," said Lenzini. "This special holiday show was also designed so that Sailors could bring their families."

Ronald Reagan Sailors said they enjoyed the comedians as well as the chance to meet the latest "American Idol."

"I had a great time. I appreciate them coming out and I had a blast," said Aviation Ordnanceman (AW/SW) Geoffery Marshall, who works in Ronald Reagan's Weapon's Department.

For Sonar Technician (Surface) Seaman Christina Hahs, assigned to Naval Base Point Loma, Calif., seeing the latest "American Idol" and visiting Ronald Reagan combined to be a memorable event.

"This is the first concert I've been to in awhile," said Hahs. "And this is probably one of the best things to happen to me since I joined the Navy."

The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization, relying on the generosity of the American people to support its programs and services. For more than 65 years, the USO has been providing morale, welfare and recreational services to U.S. military personnel and their families.

Ronald Reagan is the Navy's newest Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and returned to San Diego July 6 following its maiden combat deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.

For related news, visit the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn76/.