SHUTTLEtheUSS Enterprise (CVN 65) - Sunday, May 15, 2011

And FUNPhotos by MCSN Jared M. King

Friends Food

the Page 3Sunday, May 15, 2011 SHUTTLE

Enterprise NewsBy MC3 Peter D. MelkusUSS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At sea – Sailors and Marines aboard the deployed aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) were given the opportunity to temporarily escape from their work centers and unwind in the ship’s hangar bay at a Big ‘E’ social May 13. Hundreds of Enterprise crew members stopped by hangar bay 2 throughout the three-hour event to relax, socialize and participate in games including ping pong, inflatable jousting, putt-putt golf, cards, darts and bean bag toss. Sailors and Marines were also able to enjoy many varieties of cookies, brownies and refreshments provided by Enterprise’s Supply department while requesting their favorite jams to be played by an on-scene DJ. “Socials like these are great because they give everyone a break from their jobs,” said Big ‘E’ social attendee Boatswain’s Mate 3rd Class Maeghan Antunes. “We’re in a stressful environment here, but socials help take the focus off work for a while and

let us enjoy some fun activities.” According to Senior Chief Hospital Corpsman (SW/AW) Cheri R. Snaza, Medical department’s leading chief petty officer, the opportunity for crew members to take work breaks in a stress-free environment is crucial for the ship’s overall health and operational readiness. “To me, the most important aspect of these events is how they allow Sailors to mentally decompress, which is one of the greatest contributors to good mental and physical health,”

Snaza said. “Good mental, physical and emotional states of health are necessary to perform well in any work environment, and events like this directly contribute to these states.” Crew members would not be able to relax and recharge for their respective jobs at the Big ‘E’ social if not for the combined efforts of numerous departments and hundreds of volunteers who worked hard to ensure hangar bay 2 could be transformed from a place of business to an indoor fun zone for the night.

Big ‘E’ social allows Sailors to unwind at sea

“It takes a lot of coordination and help from many people all over the ship to be able to get the necessary space and equipment ready to put on these events, and everyone involved did a fantastic job of it,” said Brooke Newton, Enterprise’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation fun boss. “The morale here seems really high tonight, and that’s what we’re aiming for,” said Aviation Ordnanceman Airman Donald Matuszak, an event volunteer. “Sometimes we all need a little time to get together and relax.”

USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Sailors take shots at each other during an inflatable jousting battle during a Big ‘E’ social May 13. The social also included refreshments, deserts and more games like putt-putt golf and bean bag toss . Events like these allow Big ‘E’ Sailors a chance to relax during their busy deployment schedule.

Photo by MCSN Jared M. King

the Sunday, May 14, 2011Page 4 SHUTTLE

Big ‘E’ Social