Tall Paul's USO Cruise aboard the USS John S. McCain

In 2000, I was able to participate in a short USO tour in the Pacific Ocean aboard the USS John S. McCain (DDG 56). My friend, Lt. Mark Sluder, set it up for me to be a "tiger" for the 3 day sail to tokyo. I performed a show on the helicopter deck (which they dubbed "steel beach") and was allowed total access to every corner of the ship.

The pride and dedication of the entire crew was evident in their willingness to show and explain every operation of the ship to me. I was allowed to shoot the M60 and the 20mm deck gun! Iwas also awarded a certficate of qualification as a "tiger surface warfare specialist" and a wonderful print of the ship's commisioning poster signed by the captain!