Navy Seaman Kevin L. Thibodeaux, son of Rose Julien of New Iberia, Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Marolyn Bernard, daughter of Ella M. Bernard of Jeanerette, Navy Seaman Shawn O. Charles, son of Gwen H. and Donald R. Charles of Jeanerette and their fellow crewmembers recently hosted actor Ben Affleck aboard USS Enterprise in the Arabian Gulf.

Affleck delivered a morale-boosting message to Thibodeaux and 5, 300 other Sailors and Marines as they prepared to spend the holiday season defending the country.

"Thank you for your dedication, your service to the Navy and to this country, " said Affleck from the ship's bridge.

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"You are loved and missed back home and we await your safe return."

He later posed for photographs and signed autographs for the crew, which was treated to a special showing of Affleck's new film "Paycheck."

Carriers such as USS Enterprise are deployed throughout the world to maintain U.S. presence and provide rapid response in times of crisis. They serve as a highly visible deterrent to would-be aggressors, and are equipped with the most versatile and powerful weapons and aircraft available. The ship is currently providing close air support to ground units in Iraq as part of the Navy's 5th Fleet.

Thibodeaux is a 1999 graduate of Loreauville High School of Loreauville and joined the Navy in October 2001.Bernard joined the Navy in September 1999. Charles is a 2002 graduate of West St. Mary High School of Baldwin.