CORONADO, Calif. (AP) -- The fighter jets are gone from the
flight deck, and in their place is a gleaming basketball court
surrounded by bright green bleachers.

The temporary arena contrasts with the gray of the 100,000-ton
Navy warship that buried Osama bin Laden at sea and will now host
the first Carrier Classic.

Friday's historic basketball game between North Carolina and
Michigan State aboard the USS Carl Vinson couldn't have come at a
more opportune time for a Navy facing deep defense cuts.

Officials plan to seize the spotlight to showcase the Navy and
its carriers to the more than 3 million viewers expected to watch
the game on ESPN on Veterans Day.

But they add that the event's main purpose is to celebrate those
who serve in the military.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)