Comedian Visits CVN 77

NORFOLK, Va (NNS) -- A well-known comedian visited the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) and performed for the crew to show his appreciation to service members Dec. 11.

Carlos Mencia and his opening act and friend Momo Rodriguez, toured the ship, performed a stand-up routine in the hangar bay and took part in a meet and greet with the crew.

"The reason I am here is to make these Sailors' day just a little brighter," said Mencia. "It is kind of my way of saying thank you for all you do. Getting to know the troops and getting to talk to them is the best."

The crew was also extremely pleased to be able to not only watch Mencia perform, but to have the opportunity to get an autographed photo and take a one-on-one photo with him in the ship's hangar bay.

"I thought Carlos was great," said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Richard Joseph Fredette. "I especially liked how he interacted with everybody in the crowd. I also really loved to hear him thank us because it makes me feel proud of what I do every time someone does that."

George H.W. Bush is currently residing in its homeport of Norfolk, Va. preparing to enter the training and qualification cycle in preparation for a 2013 deployment.

For up-to-date information and communications regarding George H.W. Bush, visit http://www.facebook.com/USSGeorgeHWBush.

For more news from USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn77/.