Ben Affleck boosts morale in the Gulf

December 22, 2003Dec 22, 2003, 11:00 PM GMT

American sailors stationed in the Persian Gulf got a bit of pre-Christmas cheer on Monday when Hollywood actor Ben Affleck jetted in for a morale-boosting visit.

The star mingled with hundreds of navy troops on the nuclear-powered USS Enterprise aircraft carrier, sharing a meal with the warship crew, who were clearly missing home this holiday season.

"Thank you for your dedication, your service to the navy and to this country," Ben told his military audience. "You are loved and missed back home and we await your safe return."

Ben posed for photos and signed autographs for the sailors, who were also given an early Christmas treat – a special screening of the actor's latest film, Paycheck.It is thought the Armageddon star will be back stateside in time for December 25. Ben recently remarked that he and his girlfriend Jennifer Lopez are to spend Christmas Eve with his folks in Boston before driving down to New York the following day to see J Lo's parents.

Ben gets up close and personal with a trained dolphin at Manama sea port before boarding the USS Enterprise in the Persian Gulf Photo: © AFP y

The star shares a meal with the crew, who will be spending Christmas far from home this yearPhoto: © AFP

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