Corporal Andrew Visscher, a rifleman with Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, and a Bozeman, Mont., native, sings an original song during USS Bataan’s “Saturday Night Alive” talent show, April 16, 2011. The Marines and sailors of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are currently deployed with Amphibious Squadron 6 aboard the USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and will continue to train and improve the MEU’s ability to operate as a cohesive and effective Marine Air Ground Task Force. The 22nd MEU is a multi-mission, capable force, with approximately 2,200 Marines and sailors, and comprised of Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; Ground Combat Element, BLT 2/2; and its Command Element.

Photo by Sgt. Amber Blanchard

USS Bataan Servicemembers Showcase Talent

16 Apr 2011 | Sgt. Amber Blanchard 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit

USS BATAAN -- It’s easy to develop cabin fever accompanied with extreme boredom when stuck in a big steel box in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

To mitigate this, Marines and sailors keep themselves entertained every Saturday night with music, singing and dancing. During a special night aboard the USS Bataan, individuals can share their talents with the crew of the ship.

Marines and sailors with 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit aboard the USS Bataan participated in a weekly talent show called, “Saturday Night Alive”, April 16, 2011.

The weekly talent shows feature dancing, singing, music and even spoken word. The purpose of the event is to boost morale on ship and build camaraderie among Marines and sailors.

“It started on our last deployment with success, and we continued it when we went to Haiti, and hope to continue this program through this deployment,” said Cmdr. Steve Sonders, Command Chaplain, USS Bataan, “We had a good turnout tonight. It helps pick up morale for the blue–green team.”

Singers with guitars in hand sang original songs themed to life on ship from a Marine’s perspective; the provocative appeal of the Navy uniforms from the sailors; or classic cover songs usually reserved for the local bar on karaoke night. Dancers also thrilled the audience with Latin flair, and poets amazed the crowd with their spoken words about life.

All in all, everyone seemed to enjoy the talent displayed throughout the night.

The Marines and sailors of the 22nd MEU are currently deployed with Amphibious Squadron 6 aboard the USS Bataan Amphibious Ready Group and will continue to train and improve the MEU’s ability to operate as a cohesive and effective Marine Air Ground Task Force.

The 22nd MEU is a multi-mission, capable force, commanded by Col. Eric J. Steidl and comprised of Aviation Combat Element, Marine Medium Tilt Rotor Squadron 263 (Reinforced); Logistics Combat Element, Combat Logistics Battalion 22; Ground Combat Element, Battalion Landing Team, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment; and its Command Element.

Marine Expeditionary Units are the Marine Corps' smallest permanent Marine Air-Ground Task Force, and comprised of approximately 2,200 Marines and sailors ready to provide immediate response to a hostile environment or crisis.