Aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis' (CVN 74) Junior Enlisted Association (JEA) held a 'Rock the Mic' talent show in John C. Stennis' hangar bay for family and friends of crew members during Tiger Cruise, Aug. 8.

John C. Stennis got underway from Pearl Harbor, Aug. 5, letting family and friends of Sailors, or tigers, experience life aboard a Navy aircraft carrier at sea.

A panel of three judges, consisting of two tigers and one member of the JEA evaluated participants as they showcased their dance and musical stylings during an allotted two-minute window, as they competed for prizes provided by the JEA.

"This was a great experience because I love to perform and I love to play," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) Airman Austin Waldron, from Cross City, Florida.

Waldron won first place by performing a stylized version of "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5 with accompanying guitar.

"I play every day and it's something that has helped me get through life," Waldron said.

Sixteen contestants participated in the 90-minute showcase for a crowd in excess of 150 Sailors and tigers as the ship steamed through the Pacific Ocean.

"I was happy to help the JEA set up this showcase during Tiger Cruise," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Handling) Arnel Angeles, from Riverside, California. "I thought it was important that people see and hear from the ship's junior Sailors."

The Rock the Mic talent show represented just one of the many Tiger Cruise events. Other events included Damage Control Olympics, pie and watermelon eating contests, work center tours and hands-on static displays designed to showcase the talents and jobs of John C. Stennis' Sailors.

"I really appreciate the opportunity and it means a lot to me to show the rest of the crew and their families that there is a lot of talent on the boat," said Waldron.

Providing a combat-ready force to protect collective maritime interests, John C. Stennis is on a regularly scheduled Western Pacific deployment.

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