The Norfolk Tides hosted Sailors of amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) for Kearsarge Night at Harbor Park, July 7.

More than 200 Sailors from Kearsarge arrived early to the ball park picnic before taking in the game. The event was coordinated by the ship's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) department.

"We had a pretty good turnout," said Chief Air Traffic Controller Bradley Raynor, Kearsarge MWR's leading chief petty officer. "It's always a great time when the crew is able to get together for a fun event like this. The Tides were such gracious hosts and made sure our Sailors had a memorable experience."

Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Anthony Hildebrand, Kearsarge's Junior Sailor of the Year, threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

"It was a great experience for me," said Hildebrand. "I'm lucky to have had the opportunity to throw the first pitch. It was just a bit outside."

The Kearsarge Color Guard presented colors during the singing of the national anthem, which was sung by Lt. Jessica Feather.

Kearsarge Sailors and their guests enjoyed the warm summer evening at the ball park.

"I had a blast at the game," said Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Matt Eittreim. "I brought my son and my mother, who is visiting from out of town. They had a great time watching the game and meeting my friends and the people I work with every day."

"This was an awesome opportunity for our Sailors to spend some time together outside of a working environment," said Master Chief Navy Counselor Shona Haynes. "Since we returned from deployment, the crew has been working incredibly hard to get the ship ready for its maintenance period. This was a well-deserved break for us to get together off duty."

The Syracuse Chiefs defeated the Tides, 8-0. The Tides are the AAA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.

Kearsarge is currently conducting a maintenance availability at the BAE Systems shipyard in Norfolk following her return from deployment.

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