X-Men Visit USS Kearsarge

The starring cast of 20th Century Fox’s new movie, X-Men: The Last Stand, visited Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3). Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry and Kelsey Grammer arrived by helicopter on Kearsarge’s flight deck to take a tour, meet crew members, and sign autographs as the ship was en route to New York City for Fleet Week 2006. “This is probably the fifth time I’ve been on a ship like this, and nothing is better than being on a ship with about 1,500 men and women who are inspiring,” said Berry. “I want to say from my heart, there’s nothing I love better in the world than to come and see the people who fight for our way of life. It’s an honor today to say thank you,” said Berry.Berry, Jackman and Grammer made their first stop on the ship’s mess decks to sign autographs for Sailors and Marines. “It was nice of them to take time out of their day to visit us and sign autographs,” said Marine Sgt. Kenney Linzmeyer of 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C. “Their visit here really shows the support they have for us and what we do.” “I’ve been a fan of the X-Men and Marvel Comics for a long time,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class Sergio Avalos of Kearsarge’s Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD). “It was a great experience to meet some of my favorite superheroes in real life.” In addition, representatives from 20th Century Fox presented the ship’s crew with a ‘first look’ at X-Men III. Hundreds of Sailors and Marines filled the ship’s Hangar Bay to watch the movie before its release in theaters.“I loved the movie because it showed an insight into the characters’ backgrounds,” said Damage Controlman Fireman Brent Lumadue of Kearsarge’s Damage Control Division. “Kelsey Grammer did an awesome job playing the role of ‘Beast’. I have a lot of respect for 20th Century Fox because they showed that they really care about Sailors by going out of their way and showing us this movie.”USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)