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MSU Football Experiences USS Essex Tour

Matthew Mitchell / Michigan State Athletic Communications

Adding to the Michigan State football Holiday Bowl experience, the Spartans got the opportunity to tour the  USS Essex (LHD 2).

  The second ship to be commissioned in the WASP-class of multipurpose amphibious assault ships, the principle mission of the 844-foot long, 44,000-ton USS Essex (LHD 2) is to conduct prompt, sustained operations at sea, primarily as the centerpiece and flagship of the Amphibious Ready Group. LHDs provide the means to transport, deploy, command and support all elements of a Marine landing force of over 2,000 troops during an assault by air and amphibious craft.

In addition, aviation electronics technician third class Tyrese Jamison was named a Spartan honorary captain for the Holiday Bowl. Jamison was presented a Michigan State jersey from Dantonio and took a group photo with the entire team.

It was also an emotional visit for senior captain linebacker Chris Frey, who has several members of his family that have either served or are currently serving in the military, including his father, Chris, who was in the Navy.

Following the visit to Naval Base San Diego, the Spartans held their final practice of the season with a two-hour evening workout at Mesa College in helmets, shells and shorts.

Watch the Spartans tour the USS Essex here! 

The Spartans will participate in the National Funding Kickoff Luncheon on Wednesday, then will have a brief walk through and team photo at SDCCU Stadium in the afternoon.

Al Martin is the host of Current Sports, the daily radio call-in program from WKAR NewsTalk. Al is also on the WKAR News team as a regular sports contributor and plays a key sports reporting and content role on all other WKAR media platforms.
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