Country Music Band Performs for Sailors

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (Nov. 9, 2012) (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) attended a live music performance on a pier at Naval Station Mayport Nov. 9 by the country music band "Little Big Town."

The concert was one of many events held during the city of Jacksonville's Week of Valor honoring veterans, active and reserve service members, and military families.

I'm really glad for what we've been able to do during the Week of Valor," said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class(SW) Ema Tchalkian, a native of Ragland, Ala. "I think it shows the community's commitment to the military. The whole week has been fun."

Before the concert began, the band's support crew gave free shirts to the crowd. Bataan crewmembers listened as the band performed popular songs from their albums, and the Sailors also received an opportunity to meet and talk to the band after the concert.

"It's a rare chance to attend a concert for free," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class(SW) Tony Stover, a native of Houston. "It's always a good thing to see someone famous show their support by coming out and playing for us."

"Little Big Town" is an American country vocal band that started in 1998. They have released five albums and more than 60 songs since their start.

At the end of the concert, the band came back out to perform their song "Pontoon" for an encore after much cheering from the crowd. The Honorable Alvin Brown, Mayor of Jacksonville, then came on stage to thank all the military personnel and their families for showing up.

"I believe the city of Jacksonville has been very generous to us this past week," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 1st Class(AW/SW) Anthony Serio, a native of North Providence, R. I.. "It's a great tribute to our sacrifices, and this whole event is something I'm going to look back on after my career in the Navy is over."

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.>
For more news from USS Bataan (LHD 5), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd5/.