Paul Skenes and Livvy Dunne Visit Service Members in Japan
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes and partner Livvy Dunne visited service members and military families across multiple bases in Japan late last month for their second straight year of USO tours, participating in community outreach, youth baseball clinics, and base galley visits.
Touring Japanese Bases and Connecting with Troops
The trip began with a tour of Misawa Air Base in northeastern Japan, followed by a stop at Yokosuka, the home of the Navy’s 7th fleet. Skenes ate at the base galley, chatted with students at two nearby schools, held youth baseball clinics, and met with members of explosive ordinance disposal teams before finishing the itinerary at Yokota Air Base in western Tokyo, mlb.com reported.
Mari Villalobos, the United Service Organizations Senior Director of Global Entertainment Relations, accompanied the couple and noted how quickly the formal celebrity atmosphere fades once athletic equipment appears. “Baseball’s an easy connector,” Villalobos said. “Once a ball and a glove come out, that celebrity piece almost disappears. They’re just hanging out.”
Skenes Connects with Military Personnel and Family Ties
Planning the Yokota portion involved coordinating with Capt. Rob Dau, a former Air Force Academy baseball player who previously hosted Skenes during his recruiting visit. Villalobos described the interaction as a full-circle moment defined by mutual respect and shared athletic backgrounds. During his initial 2025 USO tour, Skenes visited the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS Mahan.
Skenes maintains personal connections to the armed forces through his family upbringing, which includes two uncles who served in the Navy and another currently serving in the Coast Guard. His ongoing commitment to military outreach mirrors his domestic community work in Pittsburgh, where he frequently supports local veterans and fire departments.
Reflecting on the Offseason Engagement
Reflecting on the overseas visit, Skenes emphasized the value of the personal interactions. “Getting to spend time with our service members and their families in Japan was an incredible experience,” Skenes said. “One of the highlights for me was being able to connect with the kids, play some baseball and have fun together.”
Villalobos noted that an active athlete dedicating the offseason to military communities overseas communicates vital recognition to service members stationed far from home. Founded in 1941, the USO operates more than 260 locations worldwide to support military members and their families through donor-backed programming and volunteer efforts.
Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.