Cheerleaders Meet George Washington Sailors on Super Bowl Day

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class David A. Cox
Navy.mil

Sailors aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) gathered on the forward mess deck for a chance to meet the Arizona Cardinals Cheerleaders during a tour of the ship Feb. 7.

The Cheerleaders visited George Washington after Super Bowl XLV to bring some of the atmosphere of the Super Bowl to the Sailors on duty.

Kaylee, one of the Arizona Cardinal Cheerleaders, said that being able to come out to Japan and meet the Sailors aboard George Washington was a new and rewarding experience for her.

“We are here to lift the spirits of our Sailors because we appreciate everything that they do,” said Kaylee. “We are very grateful from the bottom of our hearts for what they do and we wanted to bring them a piece of home, particularly on Super Bowl day.”

The Cheerleaders visited the ship’s bridge, hangar bay, medical facility, and mess decks where they signed posters and took pictures with Sailors.

Ship's Serviceman 3rd Class Jorge Beteta, assigned to USS John S. McCain (DDG 56), talks to Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders during a Super Bowl event at the Single Sailor Spectrum Lounge on board Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka (CFAY). The Cardinals Cheerleaders visit to CFAY was part of a Morale, Welfare and Recreation event.

“In the year that I have been aboard George Washington, this visit has been one of the highlights,” said Aviation Machinist’s Mate Airman Sherman King, a Sailor stationed aboard George Washington. “This was something to look forward to, especially with a lot of us stuck on the ship for duty while everyone else is out enjoying the Super Bowl.”

During the Super Bowl, Sailors aboard the ship were able to watch the game in the ship’s mess decks and wardrooms. The supply department also provided chicken wings, pizza and soda for the Sailors to enjoy during the game.

“Even though my favorite football team is the Dallas Cowboys, this is still something that I can brag to my family and friends back home about,” said King. “How many people can claim that they got to interact with real NFL Cheerleaders on Super Bowl day?”

George Washington is the Navy’s only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, ensuring security and stability across the Western Pacific Ocean.