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Madeline Multer, a participant in Navy FFR's Leadership in Training program, reflects on 12 weeks of growth, collaboration, and leadership development, culminating in a week-long in-person session in Millington, TN.
MA Bradford, a Texas native, tells his story of growth and learning. Relying on lessons from both mentors and loved ones, he also takes advantage the Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Liberty program and all if has to offer.
Sailors and families aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford enjoyed an unforgettable evening as Old Dominion performed a special concert on the flight deck. The event, hosted by Navy MWR, also included the filming of the band's latest music video.
Everett MWR team united to support Operation MWR, featuring performances by Plain White T's and BRELAND, ensuring a successful and memorable event for the military community.
Navy MWR Entertainment's Hot Chelle Rae Asia Navy Base Tour brought high-energy pop-rock to 7 bases, entertaining over 1,700 Sailors, DoD civilians, and families.
From virtual bingo to cooking and improv, Navy MWR's Virtual Single Sailor Program delivers fun, connection, and creativity for Sailors, offering engaging events right to their screens.
The annual Customer Service Satisfaction Survey, launched by Navy MWR, aims to gather feedback on its programs and services for Sailors and families.
Despite the concert being canceled by weather, MWR made sure NAS Pensacola fans met Little Big Town at Operation MWR on May 18, making it a special event for military families.
The Integrated Primary Prevention (IPP) Program at Naval Base San Diego stands out for its innovative approach to providing essential support services to Sailors.
Join the 9th annual Great Navy Campout presented by T-Mobile! With 61 events worldwide from June to October 2024, connect with nature and win prizes through the Pledge to Camp initiative.
Plain White T’s and BRELAND performed for nearly 4,000 at Operation MWR at Naval Station Everett and NAS Whidbey Island, boosting morale for military families with free concerts.
Jim Gaffigan brought laughter to Naval Station Great Lakes on May 9, 2024, with his Operation MWR comedy tour. Opening with Ryan Hamilton, the night was a hit, connecting Sailors and families through humor.
Country star Russell Dickerson performed during Naval Base Ventura County's Operation MWR, entertaining 800 attendees with his chart-topping hits.
The USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) crew celebrated a successful summer filled with RIMPAC victories and teamwork, closing with a memorable luau in Hawaii.
Navy FFR MWR's inaugural Esports Fitness Challenge merges physical fitness with esports to enhance camaraderie and wellness. Compete, win prizes, and climb the leaderboard!
The Leadership in Training (LIT) Executive students participate in a specialized Child and Youth Programs training at Naval Base San Diego, aimed at providing hands-on learning during the six-week course.
The 2024 Great Navy Campout brought over 1,500 participants together for unforgettable outdoor adventures, from camping tips to fun activities across 20 installations.
Naval Base San Diego’s Operation MWR transformed Admiral Prout Field into a major concert venue for 10,000 attendees. The event featured BRELAND's genre-blending set and Weezer's energetic performance, bringing joy to military families.
RIMPAC Esports debuted at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, bringing together 128 competitors from the U.S., Germany, Korea, Italy, and Brunei for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III.
Over four dynamic days, spouses, transitioning service members and veterans looking for career services participated in an array of educational sessions and virtual job booths provided by the Fleet and Family Services Center (FFSC) Federal Hiring Summit.
Experience the Battle of the Branches at the 2nd Armed Forces Esports Championship, Jan 23-25, 2024! Top military gamers compete in Halo: Infinite.
CNIC launches inaugural N9 Innovation Summit, focused on "Leading with Vision, Achieving with Action," bringing together leaders and looking toward the future.
The Pathways Journey: Let Your Voice Be Heard Virtual Focus Groups continue to gain momentum as the Navy and OPM prioritize military spouse employment.
Navy FFR’s Leadership in Training hybrid model blends online and in-person learning, helping FFR employees enhance decision-making, leadership skills, and collaboration through real scenarios.
As part of Operation MWR, The All-American Rejects rocked NAS JRB New Orleans, NCBC Gulfport, and NAS Meridian, kicking off the summer with unforgettable performances.
The Navy is prioritizing employment for spouses through the Pathways Recent Graduate program. To enhance this initiative, it is hosting focus groups called Pathways Journey: Let Your Voice Be Heard, to assess awareness and improve support for military spouses.
The Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story Morale, Welfare and Recreation Library is an essential resource used by two Navy families to support their homeschooling needs.
Virtual Clinical Counseling services launched by Fleet and Family Support Program is advancing mental health support for Sailors and families.
The Leadership in Training program advances with the Professional Development In-Person course, empowering students with essential leadership skills.
Plain White T's rocked Bahrain on May 15 and 16 with Operation MWR concerts, bringing service members and families unforgettable performances and a sense of home.
NAS Whidbey Island's Navy MWR Liberty Center hosted an action-packed Esports and fitness event, where Sailors faced esports pro Drini Gjoka in EA Sports College Football, combining gaming, fitness, and camaraderie.
Ludacris and DJ Vito electrify Naval Air Station Patuxent River! Over 5,000 attendees enjoyed an unforgettable Operation MWR concert, highlighting Navy Entertainment's commitment to quality of life.

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

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