Old Dominion Rocks the Flight Deck: USS Gerald R. Ford and Navy MWR Entertainment Hosts Country Concert and Music Video Filming

August 14, 2024 | Story by Megan Trexler | Commander, Navy Installations Command

WASHINGTON – Sailors assigned to the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and their families experienced an unforgettable evening on July 30, 2024, as the country band Old Dominion performed a special concert on the flight deck of the world’s largest aircraft carrier. The event, presented by Navy Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Entertainment and Deployed Forces Support, provided a unique blend of music, camaraderie and a sense of community for those aboard.

The USS Gerald R. Ford, currently pier side at Naval Station Norfolk, served as the backdrop for not just a concert but also the filming of Old Dominion’s latest music video for their new single, "Coming Home." The band, which takes its name from the state of Virginia—a nod to the members’ roots—seized the opportunity to give back to the Sailors stationed in their home state.

"The crew gets really excited any time an act comes in to perform because it’s more than just entertainment; it’s really a way of saying thank you," said Capt. Rick Burgess, the USS Gerald R. Ford Commanding Officer. "This is one of the few opportunities we have to bring the families of the crew members on board, making it a special occasion for everyone.”?

The evening was more than just a concert; it was a moment of connection and appreciation. Prior to the performance Old Dominion toured the ship, where they interacted with Sailors learning about their workspace and job onboard, and afterwards, several Sailors were selected to have dinner with the band. Sailors and Families from the Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group (GRFCSG) participated in a meet-and-greet session where they took photos with the band and received a commemorative autograph card. "Free concerts such as this are just one way that Navy MWR Entertainment provides morale boosting leisure opportunities, around the world and creates a platform for fun and recreation in our Navy communities. It is our way of saying “Thank You” to our Sailors and families for their service and sacrifices to our nation.," said Brooke Haley, CNIC Fleet and Family Readiness Navy MWR Entertainment Program Manager (N92).

As the sun set, the flight deck came alive with music and energy, while Sailors and their families danced to Old Dominion’s hits. The event concluded leaving everyone with memories that will last a lifetime and looking forward to the release of the video.

"We routinely take entertainment to deployed Navy ships; however, this project was truly unique not only from a logistics standpoint, but because families were able to come on board for the concert and participate in the production of the music video on the flight deck of a working carrier. It really is an unforgettable experience for the USS Gerald R. Ford community and the Navy.," said Therese Guinane, CNIC Fleet and Family Readiness Deployed Forces Support Program Manager (N92).

USS Gerald R. Ford, which recently returned to its homeport after an extended deployment, played a crucial role in numerous multinational exercises and vigilance activities aimed at enhancing NATO capabilities and deterring aggression. The concert by Old Dominion was a well-deserved celebration for the Sailors and their families, marking another milestone in the ship’s storied history.

Navy MWR’s mission is to deliver high-quality, customer-focused programs and services that contribute to resiliency, retention, readiness and quality of life. Navy MWR Entertainment tours make a positive impact on the morale of our troops. The program provides quality, live entertainment for Sailors stationed overseas and on deployed ships at sea. For more information about Navy MWR Entertainment, visit www.navymwr.org/programs/entertainment. Deployed Forces Support enhances the quality of life for over 180,000 Sailors and Marines at sea and forward-deployed Navy ground forces through sports, recreational programs, fitness equipment, social activities and tours. For more information about Deployed Forces Support, visit www.navyfitness.org/deployed-forces-support.