USS Mustin Visits Sydney
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bryan Reckard,
Navy Public Affairs Support Element West Det. Japan

Posted: June 29, 2009

SYDNEY, Australia – Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) arrived in Sydney, Australia, for a scheduled port visit June 27.
 

SYDNEY, Australia (June 27, 2009) - Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) transits through Sydney Harbor for a scheduled port visit in Sydney, Australia June 27. Mustin is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 and operates out of Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Bryan Reckard

According to Mustin’s Command Master Chief (SW/AW) Rachel C. Costello, the ship is visiting Sydney to work with the Royal Australian Navy and cultivate the bond between the two forces.

“We are visiting Sydney to continue to foster the relationship between the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Navy. The Royal Australian Navy has been one of our biggest supporters throughout the history of both nations, so this is our opportunity to continue to foster our capabilities,” said Costello.

For many crewmembers this is their first time visiting Australia and they will have the opportunity to go on several sightseeing tours and will be volunteering at a children’s hospital while in Sydney.

“The crew will be enjoying their much deserved port visit. For most of the crew this is their first time in Australia. They are very excited and looking forward to the culture and the people of Australia, and we’ll also be involved with a few community service projects,” Costello said.

Sailors will also have the chance to meet some of their Australian counterparts in a few friendly sporting events, including soccer and basketball, over the next few days.

Costello said that it’s vital for Sailors to see different parts of the world so they appreciate what it has to offer, and Sydney will be a great chance to experience another country and culture.

“It’s important for Sailors to experience other countries so they expand their knowledge of the world and appreciate different cultures and people, and seeing the world is what many Sailors joined the Navy for,” said Costello. “It’s a great opportunity for our friends in Australia to see our Sailors as ambassadors for our country, and the crew will be able to see a culture they wouldn’t normally get to experience.”

Mustin is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, and operates out of Yokosuka, Japan.