Toby Keith Rocks FOB Leatherneck

FOWARD OPERATING BASE LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan (NNS) -- Country music superstar Toby Keith performed in front of coalition troops on the small Forward Operating Base (FOB) Leatherneck in Southern Afghanistan April 23.

Of the service members present, many were U.S. Navy Seabees assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 5 deployed in direct support of NATO's International Security Assistance Force (ISAF).

Prior to the show some Seabees had the opportunity to share a meal and a conversation with Keith himself.

"It was a good time," said Builder 3rd Class Peter Murphy. "We just sat around eating and talking about where he was from, where we were from, some of the people he hung out with growing up. It was just a regular dinner, but it was still cool to be able to eat with him."

Once it was show time, no matter what branch of the U.S. military, civilian contractor, or foreign military, all stood as one crowd around the small stage as Toby Keith and the Easy Money Band performed crowd favorites.

"I think the concert was a great morale booster," said Yeoman Seaman Dave Kivett, "It made us think of back home and reminded me of all the good things we have waiting for us when we return."

Toby Keith, a strong supporter of the U.S. Armed Forces, wore a mixture of camouflage uniforms and a hat given to him at one of his earlier performances.

Although Keith let his songs do most of the talking he did manage to squeeze in a few comments over the roaring crowd.

"Thanks for your service, and that's why I'm here, by God. I appreciate ya."

NMCB 5 is one of the Naval Expeditionary Combat Commands support elements currently deployed to the Helmand Province of Afghanistan in direct support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

For more news from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 5, visit www.navy.mil/local/nmcb5.