Country music performing artists, The Frontmen, performed for Sailors and Marines aboard amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) Feb. 20.

The concert took place in the ship's hangar bay as part of their tour sponsored by the military's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and the United Service Organizations (USO).

The Frontmen includes Richie McDonald, of the country band Lonestar; Tim Rushlow, formerly of the band Little Texas; Larry Stewart of the band Restless Heart, and Donnie Reis of The Donnie Reis Band.

"Whenever we get a break in (McDonald and Stewart's) touring schedule, and we can work it out, we get together and come do these Frontmen shows," said Rushlow. "It's a highlight for us to do this."

"It's just fun to come and see the reactions while everyone sings our songs," said McDonald. "Country music is about life and real people, and there are a lot of men and women on the ships that can relate to our music."

Stewart said his first exposure to military life was in 2003 on a tour with his band Restless Heart, and the experience left a lasting impression.

"I realized what a difference it makes for us to come out here and give that little slice of home," said Stewart. "We love doing this."

According to the band, The Frontmen have been performing for military members around the globe for more than 15 years, but this was their first time to perform on an amphibious assault ship and they were all very impressed.

"We took a tour with the commanding officer and got to see the operations and what you're up to, and it's pretty awesome," said Rushlow.

Rushlow said that seeing all of the different branches working together was amazing.

"We're honored to be here," said Rushlow.

Sailors gathered in the hangar bay to witness the first live musical performance of the deployment and sing along to some of their favorite songs, including "Amazed," "The Bluest Eyes in Texas," and "God Blessed Texas."

"I was really excited to see The Frontmen play, especially after hearing them during the sound check," said Damage Control Fireman Casey Amerson, from Huntsville, Alabama. "I heard them practicing and went total 'fan boy.'"

Fire Controlman 2nd Class Nicole Lagerstedt, from Bonney Lake, Washington, said she enjoyed being able to listen to some old favorites and take a break from the normal routine of the ship.

"They were great," said Lagerstedt. "You could tell how authentic and genuine they were."

The band is scheduled to perform next on base at Naval Support Activity Bahrain, and then will move on to USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) while underway and military bases in Spain and Italy before heading back to Nashville, Tennessee.

USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) is the flagship for the Kearsarge Amphibious Ready Group (KSGARG) and, with the embarked 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

For more news from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), visit www.navy.mil/.