Paul Skenes Reconnects with Air Force Academy Roots After USO Tour with Livvy Dunne

A Unique Experience on the USS Gerald R. Ford

Paul Skenes, a standout pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Livvy Dunne, an elite gymnast and content creator, recently shared their experiences from a unique USO Tour that left a lasting impact on both of them. The couple spoke exclusively about their time aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) and the USS Mahan (DDG 72), where they met with sailors serving in the U.S. military.

A New Perspective

The trip was not just a chance to meet service members but also an opportunity for Skenes and Dunne to reflect on their own careers. Skenes, who previously attended the Air Force Academy, found the experience particularly meaningful. He mentioned how the encounter brought him back to his days at the academy, where he learned about different backgrounds and motivations among individuals.

"It was cool," Skenes said. "The average person is younger than we are... and so we're talking to these 18, 19-year-olds fresh out of high school that ended up in the Navy for whatever reason they did."

Meeting Service Members

During their two-day visit, the couple connected with over 1,300 sailors, learning about their missions and daily lives aboard the Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier. Dunne expressed her admiration for the service members, highlighting the importance of real conversations and understanding their sacrifices.

"I think one of my favorite parts was being able to just sit down and have real conversations with the sailors serving our country," she said. "They are doing incredible things overseas that not everybody gets to see on a day-to-day basis."

A Handstand Challenge

One of the highlights of the trip was when Dunne was challenged to a handstand contest by one of the sailors. She accepted the challenge, even though it had been a while since she last performed a handstand. Skenes, on the other hand, opted out, joking that it was a bad idea.

"I don't think the Pirates would be too happy about that one!" Dunne added with a laugh.

The Impact of the USO Tour

The USO, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting military personnel and their families, played a crucial role in facilitating this experience. Jennifer Wahlquist, USO Vice President of Global Entertainment, emphasized the importance of such tours in connecting service members with public figures.

"Opportunities like this are what the USO is all about, bringing talent like Paul and Livvy to meet service members where they are and share a bit of gratitude," Wahlquist stated.

Reflections on Purpose

Skenes reflected on how the experience changed his perspective on his baseball career. He noted that while baseball is important, there are bigger things in the world that matter more. He admired the strong sense of purpose that the sailors had.

"So I think what all the sailors have that I truly miss from Air Force is just this really strong 'why' of why they do it, their purpose," he said. "And I saw it over this past season, 162 games, I think everybody needs a 'why' in whatever walk of life, line of work, whatever they're doing."

A Shared Experience

Dunne also felt that the trip provided her with a new perspective on her own life and goals. She appreciated the opportunity to step out of her comfort zone and gain a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made by service members.

"Pushing me out of my comfort zone and expanding my horizons, that's what a good relationship is all about. It was life-changing," she said.

Future Plans

While Skenes has considered returning to the military in some capacity, he admitted that the thought of going through basic training again is daunting. He also acknowledged that it might be difficult to re-enter the Air Force Academy as a cadet.

"I wouldn't be able to go back to the Academy, I don't think, as a cadet. It's hard enough to start it once. I think it would be 10 times harder to start it a second time," he said.

A Special Bond

Dunne, on the other hand, admitted that she doesn’t know if she wants to serve, as she would miss Skenes too much. However, she expressed gratitude for the experience and the bond it strengthened between them.

"So I'm thankful that Paul told me about it," she continued, laughing, "He was going to do it with me or without me. He was like, 'I'm doing it!' So it was something that it was so special that we did it together."

Conclusion

The USO Tour was a life-changing experience for both Skenes and Dunne, offering them a unique perspective on their careers and the importance of purpose. Their shared journey not only deepened their appreciation for the military but also strengthened their relationship.