USS PELELIU – The time on deck was 1:30 a.m. when Marines and sailors with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit and Peleliu Amphibious Ready Group started gathering in the ship’s hangar bay to watch Super Bowl XLVII, Feb. 3.
The ship hosted a Super Bowl party for its Marines and sailors as a way to help them decompress and enjoy some of the comforts of home while being forward deployed. The event included pizza and wings served by senior enlisted Marines and sailors. Musical entertainment was also provided by the ship’s band “River City.”
“This Super Bowl party is awesome,” said Cpl. Michael A. Travis, Marine Air-Ground Task Force planner, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “There is lots of good food, good people and non-alcoholic beer,” added the 25-year-old native of Talladega, Ala., with a smile.
The hangar bay was filled with camping chairs, San Francisco 49ers and Baltimore Ravens memorabilia and, of course, crazed fans.
“Everyone should experience something like this,” said Travis in reference to the party. “Even if you’re not a football fan, it’s just an all-around good time.”
The party reminded many of the Marines and sailors of parties they have had at home.
“This is pretty close to a party at home,” said Sgt. Oscar A. Avila, fire direction center chief, 81mm Mortars/Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel Platoon, Weapons Company, Battalion Landing Team 3/5, 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit. “It’s a lot more than what I expected,” added the 27-year-old native of Oxnard, Calif.
The night ended with the Baltimore Ravens topping the San Francisco 49ers with the final score, 34-31.
The 15th MEU is deployed as part of the Peleliu ARG as a U.S. Central Command theater reserve force, providing support for maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.