Avatar Cast Visits Troops - CJTF-HOA News2

By Petty Officer 3rd Class Tyler Wilson
CJTF-HOA Public Affairs

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CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Hanalei Young, a steelworker with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 3, waits as actress Sigourney Weaver autographs an "Avatar" poster in Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, January 31, 2010. Michelle Rodriguez, Stephen Lang and producer Jon Landau also signed autographs for the service members. The tour was arranged by Navy Entertainment, which included visits to service members at sea, Bahrain and Djibouti. (Photo by Staff Sergeant Ronald Lafosse, CJTF-HOA)

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - Service members wait in line to enter the recreation center at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti for an autograph signing session with several cast members from the movie "Avatar" January 31, 2010. Among the cast were Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang, Michelle Rodriguez and producer Jon Landau. The tour was arranged by Navy Entertainment, which included visits to service members at sea, Bahrain and Djibouti. (Photo by Staff Sergeant Ronald Lafosse, CJTF-HOA)

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti - U.S. Army Specialist Emilio Montavo, 1st Battalion, 65th Infantry Regiment, Charlie Company, talks with actress Michelle Rodriguez during an autograph signing with the cast of "Avatar" at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, January 31, 2010. Sigourney Weaver, Stephen Lang and producer Jon Landau also signed autographs. The tour was arranged by Navy Entertainment, which included visits to service members at sea, Bahrain and Djibouti. (Photo by Staff Sergeant Ronald Lafosse, CJTF-HOA)

CAMP LEMONNIER, Djibouti, Feb 2, 2010 — Troops stationed at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti were treated to a visit by cast and crew of the Hollywood hit movie, "Avatar," January 31, 2010.

Actors Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez, and Stephen Lang with producer Jon Landau toured Camp Lemonnier, signed autographs and took photos with troops during their visit.

"We know that what we do in Hollywood is only possible because of the sacrifices you troops do overseas," said Landau.

After the autograph session, service members were given an opportunity to watch Avatar in the base movie theater and recreation center.

"The movie was great," said U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Gerald Luzon. "The effects were great and the story was exciting. The cast and crew were really personable too."

Weaver said the tour, led by Navy Entertainment, had been rewarding to all involved.

"To come all the way here and be around the spirit of the troops is great," said Weaver. "I know the troops appreciate us being here, but they have no idea how much we appreciate their being here and what they do."

Rodriguez, whose role in the film was inspired by a Navy helicopter pilot that flew director James Cameron in Antarctica, mentioned how she was grateful to be part of the tour.

"It feels good and makes me happy to bring joy to these people who are so far from their homes," said Rodriguez. "I've got a space in my heart for warriors, and I'm here for the boys."

U.S. Army Specialist Adam Moore mentioned how the cast and crew coming to visit was an amazing touch to an already great experience.

"They could have just sent the movie and that would have been nice, but it showed great personal sacrifice on their part by traveling 8,000 miles around the globe to watch it with us," he said.

Karen Fritz, Navy Entertainment program manager, mentioned the tour all started with actor Stephen Lang from the film.

"This opportunity to host the Avatar group on tour started with Stephen Lang," she said. "He put us in contact with the right people from the inside and we are very excited to be able to bring the Avatar Military Tour to our [troops] serving at sea and in Bahrain and Djibouti."