Hungry patrons wait in line for hot dogs sizzling on a grill. The smell of popcorn permeates the air on a cool summer day. Crowds cheer at the crack of a bat that sends a player running to first base.

This was the scene that Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) found themselves in as they attended a Tacoma Rainiers game at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, Washington June 27, 2018.

"With all the hard work that everyone has been putting in on the ship every day, it was fantastic to have so many Nimitz Sailors out here to enjoy a day together at the ball park," said Capt. Kevin P. Lenox, commanding officer Nimitz.

The command-wide outing was the result of months of planning and work done by the Nimitz Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) division.

"MWR started planning the event two or three months ago and wanted to host an event for Nimitz Sailors and their families," said Ship's Serviceman 1st Class Christina Ray, from Dunkirk, New York. "One month before the game we really started advertising and getting the word out."

Ray said that the tickets were offered at a discounted rate of $10 and children under 12 were free. Admission to the game also included free food and drinks.

"Nimitz ended up with 1,400 people at the game, and we feel like it was a huge success," said Ray. "I spoke with people and received a lot of positive feedback. It seemed like everyone had a great time."

Ray said that one goal of the Nimitz MWR is to get Sailors out to explore other parts of Washington. She said they try to help these Sailors by organizing a variety of activities like camping, concerts and trips to sporting events.

"A lot of Sailors think we are only available during deployment," said Ray. "MWR is available after deployment though. We are available 365 days a year, and provide tickets and access to events to anyone who comes into our office."

MWR is planning upcoming trips to a Seattle Mariners game and a Tacoma Rainiers game. Nimitz MWR works with local arenas and teams to provide access to tickets for concerts and sporting events around the Puget Sound.

Nimitz is conducting a docking planned incremental availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility where the ship is receiving scheduled maintenance and upgrades.


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