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Chase Rice and Lovelytheband Host Unforgettable Homecoming Concert Aboard USS Nimitz

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December 23, 2025 | Story by Naomi Wilkins | Commander, Navy Installations Command | Fleet and Family Readiness (N9)

WASHINGTON - The flight deck of the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) was transformed into a concert stage on the evening of Dec. 6, 2025. Sailors enjoyed a night of live music presented by Navy Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Entertainment, and Deployed Forces Support programs. Country music artist Chase Rice and the rock group Lovelytheband delivered performances to boost the morale of the crew as they neared the end of a nine-month mission to the U.S. 3rd, 5th, and 7th Fleet areas of operation.

"After 26 years in the Navy, I can definitively say that events like these are one of the best ways to lift a crew’s spirits, especially after nine months away from home protecting our way of life," said Capt. Joseph Furco, commanding officer of USS Nimitz. "And, though I may be biased, I can’t think of a more deserving crew than the thousands of warfighters aboard Nimitz who have risen to meet every challenge that has confronted them over the past nine months."

The event, which drew a crowd of approximately 2,500, was organized to recognize the crew's hard work and provide them with a taste of home. Mitchy Collins, lead vocalist for Lovelytheband, opened the concert with the song “These Are My Friends,” a fitting selection that highlighted the tight-knit community aboard the ship, whose official motto is “Teamwork, a Tradition.”  He continued with several fan favorites, including “Sail Away,” and concluded the set with the hit single “Broken.”

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Following Lovelytheband, country music artist Chase Rice took the stage and performed a dynamic set that included a mash-up not only his original hits but popular country songs. In an interactive segment, Sailors were invited to call out their favorite songs, and Rice obliged by playing a variety of requested hits. His performance of hit singles, including “Cruise” and a cover of “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” created a unique sing along environment with the crowd.

A notable moment occurred in the middle of the show when Rice invited a Sailor from the audience to stage. When he realized she could sing, the two performed an impromptu duet to a portion of the song, “Eyes on You,” drawing an enthusiastic response from the crew.

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After the show, Sailors were able to get autographs from and take photos with the artists. Reflecting on the event, Rice stated, “This has been an unbelievable experience. The highlight of my music career.”

Caroline Alexander, Afloat Recreation Specialist aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN-68), said, “It has been a joy to hear so much positive feedback from the Nimitz crew. Our Sailors have told me they really appreciated the chance to let their hair down, have fun and celebrate their accomplishments. It was definitely a fitting way to welcome them home.”

The mission of Navy MWR is to deliver high-quality, customer-focused programs and services that contribute to the resiliency, retention, readiness, and quality of life of Sailors and their families. Navy MWR Entertainment tours provide quality, live entertainment for Sailors stationed overseas and on deployed ships at sea. For more information about Navy MWR Entertainment, visit www.navymwr.org/programs/entertainment.

Deployed Forces Support enhances the quality of life for over 180,000 Sailors and Marines at sea and forward-deployed Navy ground forces through sports, recreational programs, fitness equipment, social activities, and tours. For more information about Deployed Forces Support, visit www.navyfitness.org/deployed-forces-support.

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