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PENANG, Malaysia – The Pearl
Harbor, HI based Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Hopper (DDG 70),
spent Christmas in port in Penang, Malaysia.
Commanding Officer, CDR Jeffrey W. James, hosted a reception upon
arrival for local officials and dignitaries.
Hopper’s fantail was lit with Christmas decorations and was filled
with the holiday spirit as guests from the local area came aboard to
meet the crew.
“I really enjoyed talking with the mix of visitors,” remarked Command
Master Chief, Master Chief Earl Gray. “The interaction helped foster
our relationship with the locals and allowed us to meet people to tell
us what not to miss around the island during our visit.”
During the port visit, Sailors were offered various opportunities to
experience the local culture, relax and celebrate the Christmas
holiday. Numerous community relations projects allowed Sailors the
chance to make a difference for the less fortunate.
Morale Welfare and Recreation provided tours of the island, snorkeling
excursions, and golf tee times. Sailors’ favorite destinations
included the botanical gardens, numerous temples scattered around the
island, and the night markets like the one in Batu Ferringhi.
The hospitable people of Malaysia made Sailors feel welcome while away
from their families. “This is a great liberty port,” said Personnel
Specialist Petty Officer Second Class Badyre Gilreath. “There was so
much to see and the culture was an exotic blend of wonderful people.”
The USS Ingraham and USS Hopper are deployed with the Tarawa
Expeditionary Strike Group, currently operating in the Pacific and
Indian Oceans. The USS Hopper left its home-port of Pearl Harbor, HI
on November 12, 2007. |
