Shepherdsville, Ky – While much of the equine world’s attention will be focused on the World Equestrian Games in Lexington this weekend, spectators at Friday night’s football game between the North Bullitt Eagles and LaRue County Hawks will have a chance to see a horse of a different sort. Three Sailors from USS Kentucky (SSBN 737), the “Thoroughbred of the Fleet,” will be participating in the coin toss just prior to the game.
Cmdr. Joseph Nosse, commanding officer of USS Kentucky’s Gold Crew will be flipping a command challenge coin while Lt.j.g. Aaron Woodside and Chief of the Boat Master Chief Machinist’s Mate Scott Moore look on. Each head coach will then be given a USS Kentucky coin.
The three sailors will be in town as part of a brief namesake visit to the commonwealth following presentations at Vanderbilt University. On Friday, they will meet with physics faculty at Western Kentucky University and visit with Bowling Green Mayor Elaine Walker, followed by stops at sites of historic interest prior to arriving at the game. Saturday will begin with a visit to Logan County’s Tobacco and Heritage Festival and an appearance in the local parade with firefighters. That evening, the Sailors will attend the University of Kentucky’s football game with Auburn University in Lexington.
Philip Setters, who has been involved in planning visits between the submarine and Kentucky for over fifteen years, said that visits such as these are important to the entire crew even if only a few have a chance to make the trip. “I recently traveled to the boat’s homeport in Bangor, Wa.,” said Setters, “and was amazed by the number of Sailors from both crews who came up to me to apologize for not having been able to visit Kentucky yet, or to tell me that they were hoping to be included on the next trip.”
According to Setters, namesake visits are designed to promote Navy awareness, but they also have a positive impact on morale, especially when Sailors return back to the submarine
and share positive experiences. “The ability to connect with Kentuckians is what makes the difference. That is one of the reasons I wanted Cmdr. Nosse, Master Chief Moore and Lt.j.g. Wood to participate in the Tobacco Festival. We don’t have much time available, and I want to ensure these men have a chance to experience some of the best of Kentucky. It is also why we’ve arranged for them to attend the North Bullitt-LaRue County football game. I have noticed over the years that both communities do an outstanding job of showing appreciation for Sailors. Regardless of which school comes out on top, USS Kentucky will win.”
Kick-off for the 4A District 4 contest will be at 7:30 PM at North Bullitt High School, with the coin toss immediately preceding.
