Hundreds of San Diego area Sailors and their family members made their way aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) to watch 2006 "American Idol" Taylor Hicks perform a special holiday concert on the ship's flight deck Dec. 19. The event, sponsored by the United Service Organizations (USO), also featured comedians Josh Blue and John Heffron. Both Blue and Heffron earned national attention after winning seasons of the hit NBC series "Last Comic Standing." American Idol Taylor Hicks said he was amazed at the size of the ship and considered it to be an honor to perform for military personnel.

"As a kid I saw the USO Bob Hope stuff and I always had the dream of being an entertainer and having my music get out to the world," said Hicks. "I think this is the beginning of a long tour for me and the USO. I look forward to going overseas and performing and I can start right here on the Ronald Reagan." In addition to the show on the flight deck, Sailors were also treated to free food and beverages in the ship's hangar bay as well as given special holiday gift bags courtesy of the USO.

According to Lt. Cmdr. Heidi Lenzini, Ronald Reagan's public affairs officer and event coordinator, the show was an excellent opportunity for the USO to pay tribute to military personnel who have worked hard over the past year. "Events like this help to give the crew a much-needed break from their daily routine," said Lenzini. "This special holiday show was also designed so that our Sailors could bring their families."