Behind the scenes: Hamlin tours USS San Jacinto at Naval Station Norfolk

Ahead of the Coca-Cola 600 on May 26, Charlotte Motor Speedway kicked off its 2019 "Mission 600" initiative with Coca-Cola Racing Family driver Denny Hamlin taking a tour of the USS San Jacinto at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia. Take a behind-the-scenes glance at how the day unfolded aboard the naval ship.

Hamlin was honored with a special welcome by sailors on the USS San Jacinto. "There's so much work and effort that goes into defending our freedom," Hamlin said. "For us, in NASCAR, we do a great job of paying tribute to the military and really nothing is like what Charlotte does on Memorial Day weekend. ... All you have to do is go to the garage and see all the American flags hanging on the pit boxes and haulers to see what the military means to us."

Capt. Dennis Ferrell (right), commanding officer on the USS San Jacinto, walks alongside Hamlin with the naval ship in the background.

Hamlin tours the combat information center of the USS San Jacinto. Considered the nerve center of the ship, the combat information center is where sailors launch Tomahawk cruise missiles for long range strike capability in battle.

Hamlin mans the helm of the U.S. Navy's NSST navigational simulator. "I got to take the helm and shoot a couple of missiles, which was awesome, but really for me it's about honoring these guys and seeing the work they put in to continue to defend our freedom," Hamlin said. "This is the ultimate display of teamwork if there ever is one."

Hamlin had the opportunity to steer the ship through simulated weather and training exercises. "You see everyone working in sync and they're trained in all sorts of things in case chaos breaks loose," Hamlin said. "It's great to see the teamwork they put in and it's something the race teams look at and say, 'How can we make ourselves better?' based on what they do here."

"It's amazing how fast things happen here and how well everyone is trained," Hamlin said. "I can't say enough about representing the military at the race track. Seeing the sailors out here who are protecting our country is amazing to see."

Before beginning a drill on the deck of the naval ship, Hamlin goes through a lesson on the equipment necessary to complete the task.

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver suits up in fire gear before completing a training exercise on the deck of the USS San Jacinto.

Hamlin tries his hand at spraying water overboard to simulate fire training on the USS San Jacinto.

Capt. Dennis Ferrell (right), commanding officer on the USS San Jacinto, presents Hamlin with a flag that was flown over the ship during a special ceremony. Hamlin will have U.S. Navy Ensign Sarah Mitchell showcased on the windshield of the No. 11 Toyota during the Coca-Cola 600. "It'd mean a lot to me (to win with her name on the car)," Hamlin said. "Obviously, this is a special area for me since I grew up racing in this area. Nothing would make me prouder to represent (Mitchell) and her family than being in Victory Lane at the Coca-Cola 600. That's a big one on my list I'd love to check off."

Capt. Ferrell's crew of 334 sailors hosted Hamlin, taking a photo on the deck of the USS San Jacinto before exchanging flags to commemorate the day.