With the USS Abraham Lincoln set for a training exercise later in the week, Harbaugh drew parallels to where the Chargers are at in their own preparations.
“The discipline, the chase of perfection,” Harbaugh said. “To see it up close, we want to get some of what they’ve got.”
He later added: “We’re in the same phases right now. They’re getting ready to train, we’re training for our upcoming season.”
Keeler noted that the Chargers visit will certainly give his sailors a boost for weeks to come.
“It’s important to understand that everybody in this crew has a fan club,” Keeler said. “Moms, dads, NFL players … you tell them that but until they see it … to have an NFL team come aboard and talk to them about how important their job is, it’s pretty meaningful.”
The visit was especially meaningful for Chargers safety Alohi Gilman, who began his college career at the Naval Academy and reconnected with two classmates aboard the ship.
Kelly Larkin, a public affairs officer for the Navy, and pilot Tyler Pistorio both knew Gilman from their time together at the Naval Academy.
Gilman said it was a full-circle moment seeing friends he first met nearly a decade ago.
“These are wonderful lieutenants here on this aircraft carrier,” Gilman said. “It’s been a blessing to be out here. Much respect, I have a deep respect and love for these people for what they do in the service world.
“It definitely hits a special place in my heart to be out here just to experience a little bit what my brothers and sisters are doing,” Gilman added. “I wish them the best of luck. Just grateful to be around them and grateful to have this experience with the Chargers. It means a lot.”