USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) hosted more than 1,500 guests for a friends and family day cruise that included tours of the ship, live entertainment and an air power demonstration, July 8.

Capt. Paul C. Spedero Jr., commanding officer, USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, welcomed the Sailors' friends and family from Ike, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 and Carrier Strike Group 10, aboard the ship.

Friends and family members experienced first-hand how Ike Sailors keep the carrier operational and saw how the crew comes together to take the ship out to sea. Along with self-guided tours, several areas were manned with subject matter experts to explain what they do and their role operating, maintaining and supporting the ship and crew.

Guests gathered on the flight deck for an air power demonstration performed by CVW 3 where they had the opportunity to observe touch-and-go landings, arrested landings, catapult launches and a supersonic flyby.

"It was amazing to see the aircraft in person," said Carly Cook, a friend of an Ike Sailor. "I've seen videos on Facebook and YouTube, but a video doesn't portray the raw power behind these machines."

Many guests were impressed by the sheer size of the ship. A common remark was that it looked and functioned like a small city.

"I just can't get over how big everything is," said JoAnne Branch, the mother of an Ike Sailor. "It's like walking around a giant beehive. There's constantly someone coming or going. It's fast paced and exciting, I can barely keep up!"

Ike's Supply department and the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) team worked together to provide family-friendly games and activities in the hangar bay for the cruise.

"We provided a catered lunch as well as a ton of games, a bounce house and even live music," said Victoria West, Ike's fun boss. "So many different people and departments came together to organize this event. The ultimate payoff was seeing how much the families are enjoying getting to see their Sailors."

After a deployment away from one another, Aviation Boatswain's (Handling) 3rd Class Skylar Halbeisen was proud to show his wife what he had accomplished in his time away from home.

"For me, the friends and family day cruise was an opportunity to show my loved ones the sacrifice I make when I go out to sea," said Halbeisen. "It's not always easy being away from my wife. Bringing her aboard and allowing her to make a connection with my ship and my career has only brought us closer."

Ike is pierside during the sustainment phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan (OFRP).

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