The Major League Baseball team San Diego Padres took the Sailors of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) out to the ball game at PETCO Park, July 1.

The Padres offered America's crew discounted tickets for the game against the Seattle Mariners and also included them in many of the pregame festivities.

"I was ecstatic when I was asked to throw the first pitch," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 1st Class Joseph Mathews. "Going to the Padres game on its own was pretty great, but being able to throw the first pitch has been a childhood dream."

In addition to throwing the ceremonial first pitch, America's color guard presented the colors while Public Affairs Officer Lt. Dawn Stankus sang the national anthem.

"It was so surreal to represent my command and the Navy by singing the national anthem at the game," said Stankus. "I felt a lot of pride."

More than 800 America Sailors attended the game, making it the most successful and attended event in the ship's history, said Shannon Smith, America's afloat recreation specialist.

Smith made the arrangements for America's day at the Padres game with help from the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) team.

"My goal is to be able to find ways like this to benefit the crew," said Smith. "It is important to me that the crew has days like these where they can have a day off and be with family and friends."

Yeoman 3rd Class Melissa Saavedra a member of America's color guard expressed her enthusiasm and appreciation for the event.

"It was a lot of fun," said Saavedra. "It's days like these that I really appreciate what my Navy does for me."

America is currently in a maintenance period, known as post shakedown availability, in which contractors repair and update the ship's design. America is the first ship of its class and is optimized for Marine Corps aviation.

For more news from USS America (LHA 6), visit www.navy.mil/.