Ben Affleck boosts morale after boarding USS Enterprise in Persian Gulf

Profile: Life in the Armed Forces, Feb, 2004

ABOARD USS ENTERPRISE, at sea -- On the heels of a crowd-pleasing show by actor/comedian Robin Williams, the United Service Organization brought another taste of Hollywood aboard USS Enterprise for the holidays. Dec. 22nd, actor Ben Affleck came aboard the deployed aircraft carrier to spend some quality time with the "Big E" crew.

Affleck was spending the holidays with forward-deployed troops. He kicked off his USO-sponsored tour with a visit to the Enterprise. The actor is no stranger to the Navy, having worked with sailors for his films "Armageddon" and "Pearl Harbor."

According to Affleck, USO-sponsored celebrity visits to deployed military troops are an important way to show American support for those in uniform.

"A vast majority of Americans are at home with their families for the holidays, and this is an important time to remember our men and women serving their country," he said. "You're out here, away from your families, not complaining, at great risk to yourselves, and people miss you. It's important that you feel appreciated and have a sense of gratitude."

After taking a few questions from the crew, Affleck introduced his new film "Paycheck" which he brought to the ship for a screening. As the crew enjoyed the film on Big E's mess decks, the actor left for Naval Support Activity Bahrain to continue his USO tour.

(Editor's note: Petty Officer 1st Class Misty Trent, USS Enterprise Public Affairs contributed to this article)