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Navy MWR Entertainment’s “Shock & Awesome” Tour Surprises Service Members in Guam with Brett Young Concert

Brett Young takes a photo with a service member.

April 22, 2025 | Story by Megan Trexler | Commander, Navy Installations Command

WASHINGTON – Earlier this month, country music star Brett Young visited Joint Region Marianas as part of the Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Entertainment “Shock & Awesome” Tour, which took place from March 31 to April 4. Over the course of the week, Young surprised service members at Naval Base Guam, Andersen Air Force Base and Camp Blaz with acoustic performances and intimate meet-and-greets. These surprise moments brought joy and a much-needed break to those stationed in remote locations.

The “Shock & Awesome” initiative was designed to create unforgettable moments for service members in their everyday environments—whether it was in the galley, at recreation centers or in their workspaces. Service members were told to expect briefings, only to be “shocked” by a surprise visit with an acoustic rendition of his Billboard Hot 100 hit, "In Case You Didn’t Know." As Brett Young performed, the “awesome” moments were captured on service members’ phones and shared on social media, turning these impromptu performances into a viral experience.

When asked about playing for the troops in Guam, Brett Young said, “It's always an honor to give back. What service members do is truly incredible, and it's hard to fully grasp unless you're a part of it. To be able to do something I love for a living and give back to service members and their families in any way is both mind-blowing and humbling. Guam is so far from everything, and if I can provide even a brief moment of joy or a break for them, it's an absolute no-brainer for me to be here…to give back to the men and women who give so much for our freedom and for our country.”

The week culminated in a full concert at Andersen Air Force Base on April 3, where over 3,300 service members, Department of Defense (DoD) civilians and their families gathered for an unforgettable night. This concert marked the largest crowd ever for a Navy MWR Entertainment event in the region. The success of the “Shock & Awesome” Tour underscores the vital role entertainment plays in boosting morale, reducing stress and promoting mental readiness.

Entertainment is not just about recreation—it’s a mission-enabling program that strengthens the emotional and psychological well-being of the Naval force. For service members operating in austere environments, these events provide an essential outlet for relaxation and connection. For families, especially those enduring long deployments, these experiences help mitigate isolation, build resiliency and promote family stability.

As one active duty spouse shared, “Throughout my husband’s career, we’ve been stationed overseas a lot, so we don’t get to see a lot of famous people or go to concerts. So being able to see Brett Young here in Guam is great. I’m a huge country fan...I’m a huge Brett Young fan.”

Brooke Haley, Navy Fleet and Family Readiness (FFR) Liberty and Community Recreation Program Manager, added, “The 'Shock & Awesome' Tour exemplifies how Navy MWR is dedicated to providing more than just entertainment—it’s about creating meaningful experiences that strengthen morale and build a sense of community, particularly for our Sailors and families stationed in remote locations.  Watching the vision come to life and witnessing these unforgettable moments was exciting.” 

The success of Brett Young’s performance and the “Shock & Awesome” Tour is a testament to the Navy’s commitment to providing service members with vital support through entertainment.

Navy MWR’s mission is to deliver high-quality, customer-focused programs and services that contribute to resiliency, retention, readiness and quality of life. Navy MWR Entertainment tours make a positive impact on the morale of our troops. The program provides quality, live entertainment for service members stationed overseas and on deployed ships at sea. For more information about Navy MWR Entertainment, visit www.navymwr.org/programs/entertainment.

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