Cheerleaders and football players from the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars visited aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) while the ship was in port at Naval Station Mayport, Fla., Jan. 31.
The players and cheerleaders took photos with Sailors and Marines, signed autographs and toured the flight deck during their visit to the 50-year-old ship.
“This is something that a lot of us have never done before, so it was a great experience to get to tour the actual ship and see all the aircraft, ” said Chelsea Belloit , Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleader. “We definitely had a great time and we hope to come back and tour again.”
The Sailors and Marines aboard Big E were pleased about the visit and enjoyed having the chance to have their photos taken with the special guests.
“We had the Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleaders and a couple of their players come on board and it was awesome,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate Airman Michael Foster . “I just got my picture taken with a couple of the cheerleaders and an autographed calendar. I’m loving it.”
Not only did the ship’s crew appreciate the opportunity to meet and greet the football players and cheerleaders, the athletes had a memorable experience as well.
“This is my first time on an aircraft carrier and this thing is huge. It’s amazing,” said Samantha Snyder , a Jacksonville Jaguars cheerleader. “Being here is a very unique opportunity. This is probably the best part of our job.”
“This is my first time aboard Enterprise, ” said Zach Miller , tight end for the Jacksonville Jaguars. “It’s eye-opening standing next to some of these fighter pilots and these jets. It’s fun for me.”
Miller thanked the Sailors and Marines for their service on behalf of the Jaguars and expressed the team members’ appreciation for the sacrifices servicemembers make for their country.
During their brief time aboard Enterprise, the Jaguars representatives gave away more than 300 calendars and 1,000 personally autographed posters.
Enterprise is currently underway participating in exercise Bold Alligator 2012. Bold Alligator 2012, the largest naval amphibious exercise in the past 10 years, represents the Navy and Marine Corps’ revitalization of the full range of amphibious operations. The exercise focuses on today’s fight with today’s forces, while showcasing the advantages of seabasing. This exercise will take place 30 Jan – 12 Feb, 2012 afloat and ashore in and around Virginia and North Carolina.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , February 02, 2012