Sailors assigned to U.S. Fleet Forces Band, joined international military and civilian musicians and dancers to perform in the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo July 4 in Halifax.

The aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike), the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56), the guided-missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill (DDG 81) and the dry cargo and ammunition ship USNS Robert E. Peary (T-AKE 4) were in Halifax to participate in a series of celebrations in honor of Canada's 150th year. This year marks the first time a United States aircraft carrier has visited the city since 1998.

"We could not hope for a stronger friend or more capable ally to operate with around the world, on land, sea and air," said Rear Adm. Jim Malloy, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10. "The Navy's visit to Halifax for Canada 150 is a testament to the value we place on this remarking enduring bilateral relationship. Our navies serve around the globe and operate together from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean to the Arabian Gulf and to the Pacific."

Malloy said the partnerships between Canada and America are crucial to maintaining maritime security, which is a key to both nations' economic prosperity.

Held annually, the Tattoo encompasses a week-long event comprised of a two-and-a-half hour show featuring bagpipes, highland dancers, acrobats, military traditions and more. The music brings nations together and is meant to inspire Canadian patriotism, educate youth, and pay tribute to the Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and strengthen international relationships with partner nations.

"This one of the greatest coalition building tools there is," said Musician 1st Class Daniel Oren, keyboard pianist with the U.S. Fleet Forces Band. "We're excited to be able to support such a momentous occasion with the Canadians and our brothers in arms, and with our fellow international military musicians."

Ensign Matthew Shea, assistant fleet band master, said the band's presence at the tattoo is a unique experience and opportunity to use the universal language of music to foster the continued partnerships between America and Canada.

"While we have common bonds as nations and military partners, we share an equally strong bond with musicians from other countries," said Shea. "There was a lot of preparation and work to be ready for this, but we were committed to doing it. We know what a big deal it is for a United States band to be here for Canada 150."

Performing and coming together on the stage is the way many Tattoo participants can show a global audience how music can bring military and civilians together as one.

Deputy Chief of Halifax Regional Police, Robin McNeil, said he feels the relationship will only grow in the future and the presence of the IKE, CSG 10, and the Fleet Forces Band is a strong message of commitment to celebrating Canada's 150th anniversary and the importance of the dual partnerships both nations share in security and international relations.

"We have no greater ally or friend than Canada, everybody recognizes it and appreciates it," said Steven Giegerich, councilor general of the United States for Atlantic Canada. "It's wonderful to mark the celebration of not just our Fourth of July, but Canada's 150."

Shea said the band's music and show were adapted from a performance in the Virginia International Tattoo, held in April, and another performance in Argentina in May. Each time they adjusted the music and arrangement, but stayed true to the original performance.

"We didn't have a lot of rehearsal time last month and we basically had one day to learn the show and find our places in there," said Shea. "The next evening we were doing run throughs in front of people and seeing how fast we were able to adapt. In the end, the show came together seamlessly; it was amazing to be a part of that."

Started in 1979 to mark the visit of Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo is the largest annual indoor show. In 2006, it was granted Royal Status by Her Majesty to celebrate her 80th birthday.

"That's one of the signature military events in the country," said Royal Canadian Navy Rear Adm. John Newton, commander of maritime forces Atlantic and joint task force Atlantic. "To have the band come for the Tattoo speaks to our level of friendship.
Our ships are interoperating and integrating with the United States Navy. Wherever we sail, we sail with and in partnership with the U.S. Navy."

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