SINGAPORE -- Navy Region Center Singapore (NRCS), welcomed Sailors from the USS Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group (CSG-1) during a port visit to Singapore, April 4-8, 2017.
Before continuing their scheduled Western-Pacific deployment, the CSG-1 Sailors took advantage of the various services and facilities Navy Region Center Singapore offers. For the installation's leadership, this was an opportunity to support the Fleet during a much-needed rest and relaxation period.
"Providing quality services and support is what we are all about," said Capt. Jeffrey Hutchinson, NRCS Commanding Officer. "The Sailors of the Carl Vinson Strike Group deserve a good break during their deployment and our job is to help facilitate that."
During the strike group's visit, the Morale Welfare and Recreation team, the Navy Exchange, and Navy Federal Credit Union, extended their service hours to support the Fleet. By the end of a four-day period, the Terror Club saw over $35,000 in food and beverage sales. Another highlight during the carrier group's visit was their participation in various sporting events aboard the installation. The strike group Sailors met with several local teams and competed in Basketball and Soccer.
The Sailors also found some quiet time at the Cafe Lah Community Center, a small coffee shop offering espresso, sandwiches and free Wi-Fi. In addition, free laundry services were provided helping to make their stay a bit more comfortable.
"I really liked it because we had a place to relax instead of staying on the boat," said Aviation Ordnance Airman Gilbert Yanez. "And it's also good for all of us to have a place to come together and take a break from work."
Another Sailor highlighted the importance of having available laundry services during their visit.
"For the most part the laundry was the best," it was a chance to do some laundry Aviation Ordnance Airman Adam Brown. "Especially being on the ship and having to fight for laundry services, it was good to have clean clothes done quickly."
During port visits from U.S. Navy vessels, NRCS's supporting departments and tenant commands such as the Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Yokosuka, Site Singapore., Fleet and Family Readiness, Morale Welfare and Recreation, the Navy Exchange, and Navy Federal Credit Union, often extend vigorous efforts in supporting the Fleet. In terms of preparation, the FLC logistics team coordinates with supply officers onboard ships prior to their arrival in order to provide quality logistics services such as provisions, fuel, postal services, and pier-side support.
During the strike group's visit the extent and volume of support provided by FLC included 19 pallets of provisions; 206 Pallets of cargo at 18,500 lbs.; 80 Tri-walls of mail (1,374 pieces); and 200 pieces of High Priority Material.
"The planning process for an incoming ship is very time consuming and must be coordinated with extreme attention to detail," said Cmdr. Ron Terry, Site Singapore director. "If something is missed during the planning phases it could affect the ships visit."
Meanwhile, the USS Carl Vinson Strike Group has been deployed from San Diego since Jan. 5, 2017 and has participated in numerous bilateral exercises with the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force and the Republic of Korea Navy and has conducted routine patrol operations in the South China Sea.