On Dec. 5, active duty service members, civilians and their families were treated to a special performance by the 2015 USO Entertainment Troupe at the NAS 2 Hangar.

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., launched the 2015 USO Holiday Tour from NAS Sigonell

"The chairman, along with members of the 2015 USO Entertainment Troupe, will be visiting service members and their families to express the country's gratitude for their service while deployed during the holidays in defense of our nation," said Navy Capt. Greg Hicks, the chairman's spokesman.

The chairman and USO entertainers spent the day interacting with troops and had the opportunity to view the P3, Predator and Global Hawk, in addition to a static display by Special Purpose Marine Air-Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF). Following the troop engagement, the chairman and celebrities had dinner with the troops at the Galley.

Later that evening, singer/songwriters Kyle Jacobs, Chris Daughtry, Billy Montana and Brett James performed live in front of an enthusiastic audience, while comedian Sydney Castillo had the crowd laughing.

Rounding out the traveling group of celebrities was actor/director Elizabeth Banks of "Pitch Perfect" and "Hunger Games" fame, writer/director/actor David Wain of "Wet Hot American Summer," and Boston Red Sox relief pitchers Heath Hembree and Steven Wright.

"NASSIG clearly has a lot of fans, but nothing displays gratitude like grabbing a dozen talented Americans, flying 5,000 miles, and braving volcanic ash to spend a night together. Gen. "Fighting" Joe Dunford, our 19th Chairman, is truly our #1 fan," said Capt. Christopher Dennis, base Commanding Officer.

Following the event, fans had the opportunity to meet with the chairman and accompanying USO tour and pose for pictures. The group departed the next morning for the second stop on their seven-day tour.

Dunford is continuing a tradition started by Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, who brought USO troupes to Iraq and Afghanistan during his tenure as chairman. For nearly 75 years, the United Service Organization (USO) has been the nation's leading organization serving the men and women in the U.S. military, and their families, throughout their time in uniform. The USO strengthens America's military service members by keeping them connected to family, home and country, throughout their service to the nation.


For more news from Naval Air Station Sigonella, visit www.navy.mil/.