Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) hosted 3,000 guests aboard April 24 for a friends and family fun day cruise that included tours of the ship, live entertainment and an aerial flight demonstration.

Capt. Paul Spedero Jr., commanding officer, Dwight D. Eisenhower, welcomed the Sailors' friends and family from Ike, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3 and Carrier Strike Group 10 aboard the ship.

Friends and family members experienced how Ike Sailors keep the carrier operational. After observing the underway process and going on sponsor-guided tours, guests gathered on the flight deck for an air power demonstration performed by CVW-3.

Friends and family members observed the aircraft landing pattern, touch-and-go landings, arrested landings, catapult launches and a supersonic flyby.

"It was amazing to see the aircraft up close and in action," said Karen Jarish, the mother of an Ike Sailor. "Normally you can only see this kind of stuff on television."

Some guests said they were impressed by Ike's size and it reminded them of a small city.

"It's like a floating labyrinth," said Kayla Cook, friend of an Ike Sailor. "It's crazy to see how huge the ship is up close and how many people can fit on it."

Ike's Morale, Welfare and Recreation also provided family-friendly games and activities in the hangar bay for the cruise.

"We catered lunch as well as basketball, bingo, a bounce pit, live music, a rock climbing wall, a caricature artist [and] balloon animals," said Thomas Cocke, Ike's fun boss. "So many people came together to organize this event and its great seeing how the families are enjoying getting to see their Sailors."

Megan Moore, cousin of an Ike Sailor, said she learned about what it's like to be a Sailor during the cruise.

"It's really cool to see where everyone works and I was really excited to see what my cousin does when they are underway," Moore said.

Electrician's Mate Fireman Mike Conway Jr. invited his wife, father, and mother aboard to share in his Navy experience.

"Family fun day is a great opportunity to show my family the best of the Ike," said Conway.

As the event came to an end friends and families not only got to see what their loved ones do on a daily basis, but also left knowing the Sailors were ready for deployment.

"It's a celebration," said Cocke. "Now that we've finished all the tests and trials and exams of the last couple months we finally have an opportunity to show everyone the end result of what we've been working towards and say 'Hey! We're fully ready to go on deployment.'"

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/.