PERFORMING ON THE USS RONALD REAGAN
GULF OF OMAN, USCENTCOM, AT SEA - 9.25.2008
Scott Stapp, the former lead singer of the band Creed, performs an acoustic set with his band during a concert on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) while under way in the Gulf of Oman Sept. 24, 2008. The band visited the ship to raise crew morale. Ronald Reagan is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet/NAVCENT area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Senior Chief Mass Communication Specialist Spike Call/Released)
Seaman Anthony Lugo, Seaman Eric Acuna and Seaman Scott Hibdon watch as Scott Stapp, former singer of the rock band Creed, takes the helm on the bridge of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. Those who operate at the helm are usually Jr. Sailors from the deck department. Ronald Reagan is currently deployed to the 5th Fleet/NAVCENT area of responsibility. Operations in the NAVCENT area of operations are focused on reassuring regional partners of the United States' commitment to security, which promotes stability and global prosperity.
Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Chelsea Kennedy U.S. Navy
Original source links: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/118057/scott-stapp-performs-uss-ronald-reagan & https://www.dvidshub.net/image/117740/scott-stapp-performs-uss-ronald-reagan
USS Ronald Reagan Sailors Welcome Scott Stapp "With Arms Wide Open"
Release Date: 9/26/2008 6:38:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Courtney Dock USS Ronald Reagan Public Affairs
USS RONALD REAGAN, At Sea (NNS) -- Rock singer Scott Stapp visited and performed a concert for USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Sailors Sept. 24, while the ship remained on station in the Gulf of Oman providing support for Operation Enduring Freedom.
The concert, hosted by the ship's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) department, was held on the flight deck for the entire crew as part of a motivational
'thank you' to service members from Stapp and his band.
"It's a dream come true to be on an aircraft carrier," said Stapp. "The most important reason we came out was to say how much we appreciate the sacrifice and the service that you have dedicated your lives to."
More than 1,500 Sailors packed the aircraft carrier's landing area to watch the band perform. Ten lucky Sailors and their friends won the opportunity to sit in front row seats for an up close and personal view of the concert.
"It was awesome," said Aviation Ordnanceman 2nd Class (AW) Sara Blouin. "I had a really good time and it was something great to look forward to."
Blouin's favorite part was having the opportunity to talk with the artists.
"The drummer (Mark Archer) was down to earth and commented on how he was thankful for us and our service," said Blouin.
The concert was coordinated with MWR, Navy Entertainment and Armed Forces Entertainment. Ronald Reagan's MWR officer, or 'Funboss' Christy Eschenbacher said the band was sincere in their mission to support the troops.
"These guys are coming out and volunteering their time to provide the crew with entertainment and giving back to those that are making sacrifices for their country," said Eschenbacher.
"I feel like I get a chance to personally say, 'thank you' and look each man and woman in the eye and tell them what Americans back home want to say," said Stapp. "I carry a message for millions, not just the band."
Stapp was lead singer of the rock band Creed, which topped the charts with songs like 1997's hit "My Own Prison," 1999's "Higher," and 2000's "With Arms Wide Open." The latter song Stapp wrote upon learning he was becoming a father; it reached #1 on the charts. Stapp's solo career includes songs from his album "The Great Divine," such as "Relearn Love" and the first single off his solo album "The Great Divine."
Reagan Sailors roared when Stapp and his band closed out the spectacular show with the song, "My Sacrifice," after which Stapp gave the crew a final show of gratitude for their sacrifices.
"You are the real heroes," Stapp said.
GULF OF OMAN (Sept. 24, 2008) Scott Stapp, the former lead singer of the music group Creed, performs "With Arms Wide Open" for the crew of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan's (CVN 76) on the ship's flight deck during an concert sponsored by the ship's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Department. Ronald Reagan is deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Torrey W. Lee/Released)
Source: http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=39982