NFL cheerleaders from the Miami Dolphins entertained deployed service members with Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) during a surprise visit to Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti on January 23, 2009.



The cheerleaders performed a variety show of song, dance, and cheer for a packed house at Camp Lemonnier's recreation center, 11 Degrees North.



The hour-long performance gave many in attendance a welcomed boost of morale.



"I haven't seen anything that good-looking' for six months," said Marine Lance Corporal Carlos Diaz, assigned to Marine Wing Support Squadron 471. "Just seeing them improved some morale."



The performance, arranged by Armed Forces Entertainment (AFE) weeks in advance, was cancelled due to a change in flight plans less than a week before the event.



"We almost didn't get to come because we couldn't get a flight over. But, at the last minute, plans changed," said cheerleader Tiffany Pearl. "We flew over in a C-130, got to check out the cockpit, and we were the cargo, so that was interesting."



Dolphins Cheerleader Ariann Denison, who has been on AFE tours in the past, said she is honored to be working with the military and interacting with service members.



"I am super-patriotic, so for me to come visit the military warms my heart," said Ariann Denison. "I keep a journal of everything I've done and who I meet. I take it home with me and never forget the people I see, because I am so grateful for everything everybody's doing out here."



Before leaving the Camp, the day after their performance, the cheerleaders took time to socialize with service members during their lunch time, and even participated in a game of tug of war.



The cheerleaders are on a two-week tour, performing for deployed service members in the U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Central Command areas of responsibility.