Skip to content
image description
image description
image description
image description
image description
Emmy-winning Imagination Movers tour Navy bases in Japan & Korea, bringing family-friendly entertainment to over 350 people.
Navy's Leadership in Training (LIT) Program launched at NSA Mid-South, igniting inspiration and empowerment among selected employees. 13 employees were selected across all Quality of Life (QOL) programs to be a part of the inaugural group.
Navy MWR launches Operation MWR to boost morale with 65+ global events featuring entertainers like The All-American Rejects, Dierks Bentley, Goo Goo Dolls, Jim Gaffigan, Russell Dickerson, and more!
Exciting news! Navy MWR has upgraded Wi-Fi at all CONUS Liberty Centers! Sailors can now enjoy enhanced digital experiences, stay connected, and engage in recreational activities.
At sea, the Navy's AFLOAT Recreation Program enhances the well-being of 80K+ Sailors and Marines during deployments.
The Integrated Primary Prevention (IPP) Program at Naval Base San Diego stands out for its innovative approach to providing essential support services to Sailors.

Fleet and Family Readiness Pays Tribute to Toby Keith: A Country Music Legend and Unwavering Military Supporter

 

By Naomi Wilkins, Commander, Navy Installations Command

WASHINGTON – When you hear the name “Toby Keith,” many songs come to mind. “Red Solo Cup,” “Should Have Been a Cowboy” and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” are just a few that topped the Billboard charts and are forever staples in American music history. With Keith’s passing on February 5, 2024, it is important to also acknowledge the impact he had on the Navy’s quality of life programming.

For more than twenty years, Keith supported the Navy Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) programs by performing at Naval bases in every corner of the globe, including bases in the U.S., Middle East, Djibouti, Bahrain, Isa and Japan. Karen Fritz, Commander, Navy Installation Command’s (CNIC) FFR Region Program Director, said “Keith toured and performed on every platform type to include U.S. Navy submarines and aircraft carriers. He was welcomed with open arms by all service members who saw him perform and the feeling was most definitely reciprocated.”

Fritz, throughout her career in FFR, was able to spend a considerable amount of time with Keith as he toured U.S. Naval bases. She went on to describe how Keith was especially fond of touring the actual workspaces of the Fleet. One experience she recalled was his tour during a daily shift change in Bahrain. “On this occasion, Keith was able to see how one hundred security personnel gathered to download experiences and information to the next shift of Sailors providing vital security services.” In addition to this, Keith regularly interacted with Sailors at the plate deck level, bringing to them his special brand of music. Keith is summed up by Fritz as “absolutely patriotic.”

Leslie Gould, CNIC’s FFR Director also had the opportunity over the years to interact with Keith, as he toured bases and helped to enhance the Navy’s quality of life programs. “He always wore a humble smile on his face with a warm handshake and simple “thank you” to Sailors who crossed his path. He gave his heart to supporting our Navy service men and women just to let them know they were appreciated for their service and dedication to our great country,” said Gould. In reminiscing on previous visits, Gould also described how she took him on his first submarine visit at Naval Base Guam. During this tour, more than two thousand attendees turned out to watch the country singer perform on the base. “Toby Keith was a fantastic supporter for Navy Sailors and families and will be remembered in our hearts for years to come.”

Navy FFR is also thankful to the USO for providing the opportunity to be a strategic partner in order to bring Toby Keith to the Fleet. For more information on MWR programs, visit www.navymwr.org

Back to top