Country music performer Toby Keith visited the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) during an island tour of Guam in support of troops deployed overseas May 1.
Keith has been touring military installations in coordination with United Services Organization (USO) since 2002 to boosts the spirits of Sailors throughout the fleet and overseas.
“Growing up in Indiana, I was raised on country music,” said Lt. Matthew Prince, chaplain aboard Frank Cable. “I think the command was excited and it boosted everyone’s moral.”
After Keith’s visit aboard Frank Cable, he performed at Blue Jacket Field at Naval Base Guam as part of his “Hammer Down Tour”. The concert was free to all military personnel and their families.
“It was a good time and I had a lot of fun out there,” said Machinery Repairman 3rd Class Terri Marcum. “I’m glad he’s willing to support the troops.”
During his tour of the submarine tender, Keith thanked Sailors for their service and said he hopes to continue supporting the troops.
“He doesn’t have to come out here, he chooses to come out here,” said Prince. “A thank you from Toby Keith reminds Sailors that there are Americans in the states who feel the same, but don’t have the resources to come and express their sentiments.”
Keith also took time to not only shake hands with Frank Cable crew members, but also to sign autographs and take pictures with fans.
“He didn’t deny anyone anything,” said Senior Chief Hull Maintenance Technician David Jaynes. “If someone wanted a photo, he stopped, and he signed every autograph that they asked for.”
[mappress] Press Release, May 8, 2013