Super Bowl Champions Visit Kearsarge

RED SEA (NNS) -- Amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) welcomed aboard five members of the Super Bowl XLV champion Green Bay Packers, Feb. 14, as part of their Tundra Tour to visit deployed military personnel.

"This was a true treat for the Sailors and Marines of USS Kearsarge," said USS Kearsarge Commanding Officer Capt. Baxter Goodly. "We just watched this team win the Super Bowl, and we were grateful to have them here. I hope they enjoyed their stay as much as we did."

Cornerback Jarret Bush, safety Derrick Martin, linebacker Frank Zombo, center Nick McDonald and guard Daryn Colledge were joined by former Packers Pro-Bowl fullback William Henderson, assistant equipment manager Thomas Bakken and head athletic trainer Pepper Burruss, who toured the ship and signed autographs for Sailors and Marines.

"The reason we get to live out our dream and do what we do, is because of what all of you do every day," Colledge said. "I am honored to be here, and I thank you for allowing me to see the great work you do every day."

The Packers toured Kearsarge's medical and dental spaces, hangar bay, well deck and engineering, and met Sailors and Marines to learn what the service members do to keep Kearsarge in fighting shape.

"The only perspective of the military we have is what we see in the media, and that is not the whole story," Henderson said. "By seeing what these men and women go through daily, how well they do everything and the pride they take in their jobs, you can never look at a news story about the military the same way again."

Sailors and Marines aboard Kearsarge were equally appreciative of the special visit.

"I think the Packers' taking the time to fly half-way across the world to celebrate their success is truly a great reminder of how America really supports us," said Cryptologic Technician 1st Class Kimberly Decker. "I'm a huge fan, and this is definitely a highlight of my life."

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and after being deployed for five months it is a big morale booster," said Capt. Peter Pagano, commander, Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). "The Sailors and Marines have been working hard, and to have these world champions here one week after winning to show their support, is something they will never forget."

The Packers departed Kearsarge and visited amphibious transport dock USS Ponce (LPD 15), a member of the Kearsarge ARG.

Kearsarge is the command ship for the Kearsarge (ARG), supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.

For more news from Commander, Amphibious Squadron 4, visit www.navy.mil/local/phibron4/.