(PHOENIX, Dec. 2, 2013) – The world famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing a slice of home to U.S. troops based overseas with an extended holiday tour of global U.S. military bases – the twelfth time in the past ten years that the “Ambassadors of Goodwill”™ have entertained U.S. troops overseas.

Made possible by Navy Entertainment and Armed Forces Entertainment, the 12-game tour, beginning this week, will feature shows on U.S. military bases in the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Greece and Spain.

Highlights of previous military tours include the Globetrotters’ first-ever visit to Afghanistan in November 2012, tours of Iraq in 2009 and 2006, a visit to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in 2005 – and games on four active-duty U.S. aircraft carriers, including a performance on the U.S.S. Eisenhower in the Persian Gulf in 2006.

“Playing a game of basketball on an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf for the troops is the coolest thing I've ever done,” says Harlem Globetrotters star Dizzy Grant. “It was awesome to stand on the deck, 50 feet from where the fighter jets land. 

“It is our honor and privilege to entertain these extraordinary people who put their lives on the line for us every day.  The Globetrotters would not be able to bring joy to so many families worldwide without the efforts of these brave men and women.”

For the fifth straight year, the tour will feature a specially-created camouflage basketball, in addition to the Globetrotters’ iconic red, white and blue basketball. 

Globetrotter military tours have visited over 30 U.S. military bases in Afghanistan, Bahrain, Belgium, Cuba, Djibouti, Germany, Greece, Guam, Italy, Iraq, Japan, Kuwait, the Netherlands, Portugal, Qatar, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom.

The North American leg of the Globetrotters’ 2014 “Fans Rule” World Tour recommences on Dec. 26.

Sponsored by Wonderful Pistachios, Howard Johnson Hotels and Greyhound Lines, The Harlem Globetrotters® are celebrating their 88th consecutive year, continuing a world famous tradition of ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry, and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that continues to thrill fans of all ages. Harlem Globetrotters International, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation, the largest family-owned themed entertainment company in the U.S. Throughout their history, the Original Harlem Globetrotters have showcased their iconic talents in 122 countries and territories on six continents, often breaking down cultural and societal barriers while providing fans with their first-ever basketball experience. Proud inductees of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, the Globetrotters have entertained hundreds of millions of fans-among them popes, kings, queens, and presidents-over more than eight thrilling decades. For the latest news and information about the Harlem Globetrotters, and to purchase tickets and team merchandise, visit the Globetrotters' official Web site: www.harlemglobetrotters.com.