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Troops & Hoops Photos & Videos: Aboard the USS Carl Vinson at the Inaugural Carrier Classic

The inaugural Carrier Classic on the USS Carl Vinson was a huge success and a magical moment for those involved, attending in person and watching on TV. The biggest concern was the weather and outdoor court conditions, but thankfully, the rain started just after the conclusion of the game. It was a powerful experience to witness this basketball event attended by our veterans, those actively serving, and the President of the United States.

Many thanks to Sharon Powell (Director, Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society) who was able to provide access to eCoronado.com so we could bring you this story firsthand.

Please enjoy the photos and videos. If you attended the event, please share your experience in the comments.

ESPN special on USS Carl Vinson - 24 Hours on a Carrier:

Air Force One flying over San Diego Bay en route to North Island:

The view of Air Force One from Coronado Beach looking towards Ocean Blvd. Many thanks to the eCoronado.com staff that were prepared to capture the moment in case of a beach approach.

Video of President Obama and the First Lady walking into the stadium area:

Fighter jets scream over the USS Carl Vinson. Many residents said they heard the jets on TV and from their homes!

President Obama addresses the crowd:

You can listen to the first two minutes of his address to the players and those in attendance:

Both teams wore camouflage jerseys and gave them away to veterans and active service members after the game. It was a nice touch to see USA on the back of each jersey and not the player's name:

President Obama watched the game from mid-court with the Tarheels beating the Spartans, 67-55. Obama is greeting Wounded Warriors in the photos below:

Magic Johnson was being interviewed by ESPN. Magic played for Michigan State University.

The Navy band resting between songs.

A magnificent night on the USS Carl Vinson:

Mark Terrill of the Associated Press captured this stunning photo below:

Tags: basketball, carrier classic, navy

8 members like this

Comment by Rob Talbot on November 14, 2011 at 1:47pm: Very cool. Wish I would have been in town that weekend.

Comment by Suzanne Levison on November 15, 2011 at 12:08pm: Awesome~

Comment by Carrie Anne Inada Downey on November 15, 2011 at 1:10pm: As a Navy veteran and Coronado City Councilmember I had the priviledge of attending and was humbled by the amount of effort it took. My husband and I were able to sit on the side direclty across from President Obama. We have some great photos but were not able to shake his hand. However much to our delight several minutes before the game started someone finally came to fill the empty seats two rows in front of us. Magic Johnson. He was so generous with his time. Before the game started and at every time out or break he took pictures and signed autographs for every person in the crowd who asked.

But the most impressive part of the evening was the sportmanship of the 2 teams. Before the game several members of the opposing teams shook hands to greet their competitors. We were in the Michigan State Univerity alumni and donor section and no one had anything negative to say about the other team just obviously that they wished their team was doing better. They explained that the coach of Michigan State had been trying to put the concept of a carrier game together for 10 years, and they chose their competitor. They did not choose an easy team to beat. They chose the team they had faced 2 years previously in the NCAA finals and the current number 1 ranked college team. The Michigan State Coach espected NC coach and team and knew it would be a good game. As close as I was I could hear some of the players chatting and I never heard a foul word or mean spirited comment. I left the game feeling very uplifted at the role models the players and coaches were in keeping with the amazing role model our sailors and marines are every day. It may not have been the world's greatest basketball being played but it definately was the greatest basketball experience I and I believe thousands of others have ever had. Coronado did very little to make this happen it truly was an amazing experience done for and by the Navy, I will strongly support doing it again should the Navy ever ask Coronado for assistance. Next time I will watch at home and give up my seat so that another active duty person may attend.