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PERTH, Australia – USS Bonhomme
Richard (LHD 6), USS Denver (LPD 9) and USS Rushmore (LSD 47)
completed a scheduled port visit to Fremantle and Perth, Australia,
Oct. 21.
During the five-day visit, Sailors and Marines had the opportunity to
participate in friendship building activities, meet local citizens,
experience local customs and traditions, and enjoy the many
recreational activities offered in Perth.
“This was a great opportunity for our Sailors and Marines to enjoy the
rewards of a long and successful deployment,” said Capt. Neil Parrott,
commanding officer of Bonhomme Richard. “Australia is a favorite place
for us to visit. The crew always enjoys opportunities to visit cities
such as Perth and Fremantle. This port visit offered our Sailors and
Marines the opportunity to experience the culture of this wonderful
city.”
Sailors and Marines enjoyed various Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)
and community relations (COMREL) events, allowing the Sailors and
Marines a chance to journey through shopping malls and mingle with
locals.
“I feel that the Australian locals were very pleased with our visit to
Perth,” said Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class (SW/AW) Horace Reid. “Going
the extra mile is an understatement in this case. You could see it in
their smiles that they wanted to make an everlasting impression on us
as tourists.”
Sailors and Marines met with members of local civic organizations,
including the Western Australian Tourism Commission, Fremantle’s
Chamber of Congress, and the Australian American Association, at a
welcoming reception at a local restaurant in Fremantle.
“We got the warmest welcome from the Australians,” said Air Traffic
Controller 2nd Class (AW/SW) Christopher Ollinger. “While being served
food and drinks, we also entertained each other with questions about
our lifestyles. The hospitality was second to none.”
MWR events also opened the door to the region’s culture. According to
Chief Yeoman Lovie Rush, the MWR-sponsored Sun Valley Wine, Cheese and
Chocolate tour was a good way to learn about Australia’s oldest wine
growing region.
“I’m not a wine drinker, but I still attended this tour and ended up
having the time of my life,” said Rush. “We visited five wineries and
with each wine, we got a sample to go along with the synopsis of them.
We also got to sample a variety of chocolates and enjoy a gourmet
platter lunch.”
According to Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Timothy Long, the Koalas,
Kangaroos and Sharks tour gave everyone a chance to experience a
pleasant side of wildlife.
“Once you see a shark in person, you will immediately notice that they
are larger than the television makes them out to be,” said Long. “I
also got a chance to feed and touch koalas. Still, my highlight of the
tour was when I saw what I think is the fastest kangaroo in the
world.”
Sailors and Marines also volunteered time to show their appreciation
to their hosts through a variety of COMREL events benefiting the local
community and environment, including assisting the elders at the Perth
Hebrew Congregation; planting trees and shrubs to regenerate wetlands
with the Conservation Volunteers Australia, Bushland Project;
gardening and painting for Valued Independent People, Inc.; and
visiting children at the Princess Margaret Hospital.
“I really enjoyed myself,” said Aviation Maintenance Administrationmen
2nd Class Corey Willis, who volunteered to help at WEST Australian /
CARE / Accommodation / Rehabilitation / Employment (WESTCARE), an
organization that helps disabled individuals to be independent. “This
is a very constructive and rewarding way to spend your day.”
The Bonhomme Richard Expeditionary Strike Group is on a regularly
scheduled Western Pacific deployment and is transiting the U.S. 7th
Fleet area of operations following nearly four months in the Arabian
Gulf.
Operating in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, the U.S. 7th Fleet
is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets, with approximately
50 ships, 120 aircraft and 20,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any
given time.
U.S. 7th Fleet forces are tangible proof of the U.S. commitment to
peace and stability in Asian, and they directly support U.S. national
goals of strengthening alliances, defeating global threats and
preserving the free flow of trade. |
