Photos by Cpl. Courtney White

SHUTTLEtheUSS Enterprise (CVN 65) - Saturday, April 23, 2011

the Page 3Saturday, April 23, 2011

Enterprise NewsSHUTTLE

By MC3 Brooks B. Patton Jr.USS Enterprise Public Affairs

USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) are showcasing their musical talents April 23 in the first live performance of an American Idol-style competition in order to discover Big E’s next star vocalist. Thanks to a few great ideas and a lot of hard work from Enterprise’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation division (MWR) and members of Media Department, Enterprise has officially launched the Big ‘E’ Idol competition. “Idol competitions on other carriers have been extremely successful,” said Brooke Newton, the ship’s Fun Boss and one of the coordinators of Big ‘E’ Idol. “I think this is a great a way to allow sailors and Marines to have a little fun and express their creativity.” More than 50 Sailors lined up outside of the Wardroom 2 lounge and waited to be called in front of the judges to try out for a seven-week event, which will include live performances played back on SITE TV for crewmembers to watch and subsequently cast their vote by e-mail. After each contestant sang, they were critiqued by the three judges, who each have different backgrounds and tastes in music. The judges consist of Lt. Jonathan R. Pohnel, Ensign

Caroline Hutcheson and Chief Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Anthony A. Thomas. “Lt. Pohnel is a tough one!” said Hutcheson. Pohnel, one of the ship’s tactical action officers, is the director of the Enterprise Chorus. He is a professional musician who began his career as a Marine Corps musician and has performed for dignitaries including the Queen of England and two former U.S. presidents. “We try to judge them not only for their singing, but for their confidence, performance and ability to capture the attention of the audience,” said Pohnel. Thomas, a former judge on the USS Harry S. Truman’s (CVN 75) Idol competition, is a leader in the ship’s gospel choir. After the first round, 13 contestants were chosen as

Big ‘E’ Idol contestants. Tonight, they will be opening for the country-music star Toby Keith before his concert aboard the ship. “In order to make it to the second round, singers will have to prove their musical versatility and showmanship to the crew, and their first task is to perform as a country music super star,” said Pohnel. Each phase of the competition will have different categories of music to challenge the music preferences of the contestants such as country, 80s rock, 1990s, 2000s and finally, any song of the contestants’ choosing. Each live performance will be televised on Tuesdays through Thursdays on SITE TV’s Channel 5. After voting, results will be unveiled at the beginning

of the weekly Friday show, where contestants will either be eliminated or allow to continue in the competition. The final phase of the competition will also be held live in the hangar bay, where one contestant will win $1,000. “It’s a good way to get the entire crew involved, and in the end it will be up to the contestants’ shipmates to vote on Enterprise’s first Big ‘E’ Idol,” said Newton. With Big ‘E’ Idol being the latest addition to other musical programs aboard Enterprise that include the Enterprise Chorus and Sunday Best, a weekly gospel club and competition, Enterprise is bringing its musicians out of the steelwork and into the limelight.

One Sailor to become Big E’s next ‘Idol’

A Sailor receives critiques from Big ‘E’ Idol judges after an opening night audition aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65).

Photo by Cpl. Courtney White

the Saturday, April 23, 2011Page 4 SHUTTLE

Photos by MCSN Jared M. King

Sailors of the DayYeoman 3rd ClassJeremy Boatwright - Apopka, Florida

YN3 Boatwright, an administrative specialist assigned to Supply department’s S-0 division, joined the Navy one year ago to better the lives of himself and his family. To Boatwright, the most rewarding aspect of his job is ensuring Supply department is always ready administratively because “we don’t just want satisified customers, we want raving fans!” Boatwright aspires to finish his bachelor’s degree and one day become a commissioned Supply Corps officer. During his spare time, Boatwright enjoys spending time with his family, reading and going to the gym.

AO3(AW) Bahr, a night check supervisor assigned to the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137, joined the Navy four years ago to see the world and further her education. To Bahr, the most rewarding aspect of her job is “knowing that I am fighting for the safety and freedom of my family and country while not only making myself a better person, but inspiring the people I work with to make a difference in the world as well.” Bahr aspires to apply for the STA-21 program to join the Nursing Corps and attend medical school to become an anesthesiologist. Bahr enjoys spending time with her beautiful daughter during her time off.

Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class (AW)Ashton R. Bahr - Fairbanks, Indiana

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