Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes and his girlfriend, gymnast and content creator Olivia Dunne, recently embarked on a two-day USO Tour aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford and USS Mahan.
The couple, who met at LSU and have been publicly dating since August 2023, spent the trip connecting with sailors while experiencing life on the Navy’s advanced ships for the first time.
“It was cool… the average person is younger than we are, talking to these 18, 19 year olds fresh out of high school that ended up in the Navy for whatever reason they did,” Skenes told PEOPLE.
The visit brought back memories of his time at the Air Force Academy, where students from different backgrounds unite with a shared mission.
Dunne called the experience “eye-opening.”
“I didn’t exactly know what I was getting myself into, but Paul brought the opportunity to me… So I did it, and it was an experience I’ll never forget,” she said.
The couple met more than 1,300 sailors, signing autographs, posing for photos, and learning about naval operations.
Dunne even took part in a handstand contest with one of the sailors, while Skenes opted out, joking, “That’s a bad idea. I don’t think the Pirates would be too happy about that one!”
Gaining perspective beyond sports
The USO, which has supported U.S. service members and their families since 1941, provides opportunities for service members to meet public figures and feel recognized for their work.
Jennifer Wahlquist, USO Vice President of Global Entertainment, said the tour “reminded sailors that there are people back home who care about them.”
For Skenes, the tour offered a new lens on life outside of baseball.
“There’s a whole lot more in this world that matters than baseball… They all had a why, and it reminded me to reflect on my own purpose,” he said.
Dunne agreed, noting that witnessing the dedication of service members gave her perspective on her daily routine.
Both agreed that the experience strengthened their bond. “It was life-changing… It was great that we could do it together,” Skenes said, while Dunne added, “Pushing me out of my comfort zone and expanding my horizons, that’s what a good relationship is all about.”
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