Four comedians performed for military personnel at Navy region Northwest installations as part of the Comics on Duty World Tour, Nov. 5-6.

Comics On Duty has been performing since 1992. In that time comedians have performed more than 3,000 shows worldwide exclusively for military communities including over 300 in theater supporting Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. The program is produced by Rich Davis, Executive Producer of the Davis Entertainment Group.

Steve Bills, Steve Mazan, James P. Connolly and Tom Foss performed at the Skywarrior Theater on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and the Bangor Plaza Ballroom on Naval Base Kitsap Bangor.

“As comedians, we use freedom of speech to make a living so I’m honored to entertain the people that defend my freedom,” said Foss, who has been performing for 22 years and participated in Comics on Duty since 2005. “After the first time I went to Iraq, I got an e-mail from a guy who had seen me (seven months before) who had just gotten home. He wanted me to know that he and his buddies had been using (one of my jokes) in combat and he wanted to thank me for helping them get through those tough situations.”

“I was in the Navy so when I first heard about this I thought I would love to go back and give something back. I remember not having much entertainment and sitting around the barracks complaining that there was nothing to do,” added Mazan, who has performed for six years with Comics on Duty.

With some of the comedians being prior military and the others performing for them for multiple years, they were able to tailor portions of their shows to their audience.

“I really enjoyed the show and I love how the comedians incorporated our everyday military life into their own jokes,” said Chief Culinary Specialist (SS) Joey Marcello, Naval Base Kitsap galley. “My cheeks are still hurting from laughing so hard and they were all hilarious.”

After the shows the comedians held an informal meet-and-greet and had comedy merchandise available for purchase.

“My wife and I wanted to try something new and we heard about this comedy show,” said Electronics Technician 3rd Class (SS) Jacob Miller, USS Louisiana (SSBN 743) (Blue). “We enjoyed the dinner and show. The comedians were all great and it was convenient and affordable to have an event right here on base.”