Photo Flash: Radio City Rockettes Join Forces with the USO for Fleet Week and More

The Madison Square Garden Company announced today that the Radio City Rockettes and the United Service Organizations (USO) are re-energizing a more than 70-year association between the two historic organizations. The Radio City Rockettes are making various appearances across the country in the upcoming months to honor the courage and dedication of the service men and women and their families who have devoted their lives to serving their country.

"We are proud to renew this meaningful alliance between the Radio City Rockettes and the USO, which dates back more than 70 years," said David O'Connor, President and CEO of The Madison Square Garden Company. "This will enable the Radio City Rockettes to once again honor, recognize and thank our active troops, veterans and their families for their unprecedented service to their country by participating in special appearances and performances across the United States."

"We are thrilled to be joining forces with the Radio City Rockettes in honor of our nation's men and women in uniform this patriotic season," said Lorie Hennessey, Senior Vice President of USO Entertainment. "Their one-of-a-kind performances will support the USO and its mission to strengthen service members by connecting them to family, home and country throughout their service to the nation."

Yesterday evening, the Radio City Rockettes kicked off their support for the USO at the official Fleet Week New York 2017 "Rock The Fleet" party for Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen at the Hard Rock Cafe in New York City. The Radio City Rockettes will continue their support at Sail Boston on Saturday, June 17. Scroll down for photos from "Rock The Fleet"!

Additional USO appearances and performances by the Radio City Rockettes will be announced soon.

The Radio City Rockettes were among the first entertainers to join the USO in the 1940s after the United States entered World War II. The dance troupe traveled abroad to entertain the troops and performed across the country in support of the wartime effort at home. While shows continued at Radio City Music Hall, select Radio City Rockettes continued to perform for the armed forces, including in wartime shows at the Stage Door Canteen, the Copacabana and the Army Air Corps Base in Pawling, New York. The dance troupe also held a war bond rally with Eleanor Roosevelt at Madison Square Garden.

Photo Credit: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images

The Rockettes attend the Fleet Week NY 2017 Official Kick-Off Party at Hard Rock Cafe New York.
The Rockettes pose for a photo with service men during the Fleet Week NY 2017 Official Kick-Off Party.
The Rockettes pose for a photo with service men.