Basketball game on the flight deck

Michigan State’s Branden Dawson, (22) battles Nor Carolina James Michael McAdoo (43) and John Henson (31) for a rebound under a twilight sky during the first half of the Carrier Classic on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Nov. 10, 2011 12 AM PT

The flight deck of the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson, stationed at San Diego Bay, hosts a college basketball game between Michigan State and North Carolina.

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama acknowledge the thousands of active duty and retired military attending the Carrier Classic on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson, docked at the Naval Base Coronado in San Diego Bay. Michigan State plays No. 1-ranked North Carolina in an arena constructed on the deck. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Former NBA superstar Magic Johnson enjoys the celebrations aboard the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson. It’s part of the Veterans Day 2011 inaugural Carrier Classic. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Michigan State’s Branden Dawson and North Carolina’s Michael James McAdoo fight for a loose ball during the Carrier Classic on Friday. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

From their courtside seats, President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama take in the Carrier Classic on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Brandon Wood keeps his eyes on President Barack Obama

Michigan State’s Brandon Wood, fourth from left, keeps his eyes on President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama during opening ceremonies at the Carrier Classic on the flight deck of the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

The Destroyers band draws a crowd aboard the USS Carl Vinson as part of the Veterans Day 2011 inaugural Carrier Classic at the Naval Base Coronado in San Diego Bay. Michigan State will play No. 1 ranked North Carolina in an arena constructed on the deck. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Musician Second Class Heather Downing, left, with The Destroyers band is joined for an impromptu duet by E/3 PSSN Kristin Morris for spirited version of “I Love Rock and Roll” aboard USS Carl Vinson. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Michigan State and North Carolina basketball players practice on a court arena spread across the flight deck of the aircraft carrier Carl Vinson. It will be the venue for an NCAA basketball game on Veterans Day. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)