AT SEA -Two sailors won tickets to Super Bowl XLVII aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Jan. 18.
Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Michael Farmer and Aviation Structural Mechanic Airman Presley Whitworth each won one ticket, airfare and separate hotel rooms during a bingo game sponsored by Stennis’ Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) division.
Farmer and Whitworth are scheduled to depart Stennis Jan. 30 to watch the Super Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Additionally, they will have an opportunity to go to the National Football League Experience, a temporary theme park consisting of interactive attractions and special events, before returning to Stennis Feb. 4.
Farmer could barely believe his luck, attributing his success to the purchase of multiple bingo tickets.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Farmer, from Yakama, Wash. “I’m ecstatic to go to the Super Bowl especially while I’m deployed. It’s one of those things I’ve been wanting to do ever since I was a little kid, and now I can check it off my bucket list.”
Whitworth grabbed her Super Bowl ticket in tears, barely able to contain her joy.
“I’m elated,” said Whitworth, from Pontotoc, Miss. “I’m a big football fan and I’m extremely excited to go to the Super Bowl.”
MWR provides discounted activities and sponsors events to boost morale for service men and women throughout the military.
The John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCSCSG), consisting of Stennis, Carrier Air Wing 9, Destroyer Squadron 21, and guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) are forward deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.
For more information on the JCSCSG, visit www.stennis.navy.mil or www.facebook.com/stennis74.