PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (NNS) - World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) celebrities Stacy Keibler and Torrie Wilson toured Naval Station Pearl Harbor and visited with local Sailors Jan. 27.
Wilson and Keibler were here promoting the Feb. 1 WWE "A Night of Champions" event at the Blaisdell Arena.
Wilson and Keibler began their day by having lunch at Sam Snead's Tavern with five Sailors. Electrician's Mate 1st Class (SS) Zach Montello and Yeoman 3rd Class (SS) Brian Simic from USS Louisville (SSN 724) joined with Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Matthew Reinhardt and Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Marcella Perkins from Navy Region Hawaii security.
"Oh, I am definitely a fan," said Master-at-Arms 1st Class Eric Wynn, from Navy Region Hawaii security, the fifth Sailor at the lunch. "It was exciting to meet two superstars, and they're just as pretty as I thought they would be."
After lunch, the WWE divas took time to sign autographs and pose for pictures with Sailors and family members at the Beeman Center.
"I think it's awesome that the WWE is finally coming to Hawaii," said Cryptologic Technician (Administration) 2nd Class (SW) Dustin Creech from Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet. "I am a huge fan of the WWE and of Stacy and Torrie. What word would I use to describe meeting them? Exhilarating."
Families at Beeman also enjoyed meeting the divas. Janet Wong, a Navy family member, had her four-year-old daughter and three-year-old son on hand for the autograph signing. Both children entertained the entertainers by singing and dancing to "Sexy Boy," the theme song for WWE wrestler Shawn Michaels.
"They've been watching wrestling since they were newborn," Wong explained. "This is their first time meeting real WWE superstars and being able to talk. The last time, they were too little."
After the autograph signing, Sailors aboard USS Reuben James (FFG 57) had the opportunity to meet the celebrities when they went aboard for a tour. Keibler and Wilson visited several spaces on the ship, including the bridge and combat control spaces.
"It was really cool," said Operations Specialist 1st Class (SW) Stephen Cornell, a Reuben James Sailor. "I got to meet people that I had only ever seen before on TV. It's good to know that there are people out there who remember us when we go out to sea for up to 180 days at a time. It's good to know we're not forgotten."
Ensign Anne Gibbon said the tour was a chance for the two WWE superstars to put faces to the stories of Sailors who deploy in support of operations around the world.
Reuben James' commanding officer, Cmdr. Logan Jones, presented Keibler and Wilson ship's hats with their names embroidered, a ship's photo and a ship's coin.
"It just means a lot to know there are people like them who care enough about our Sailors to take the time to come out and see what it is they do on a day to day basis," Jones explained. "We were glad to have them aboard."
The two WWE divas said they enjoyed the chance to meet the Sailors during their tour here.
"Lunch was delicious and they (Sailors) were great," said Keibler. "It's nice to meet people and talk about their jobs and lifestyles."
This was not the first time Keibler and Wilson have interacted with the military. Both have visited troops in Iraq and have toured Navy ships around the world.
"The whole experience was really interesting," Keibler said. "Not a lot of people get the chance to see what the Navy does, so it's a real honor to board a ship and interact with Sailors."
credit:
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=13920328&BRD=1659&PAG=461&dept_id=8102&rfi=6
