Military

USS Thach departs the 'gem of the Orient'

7th Fleet Public Affairs

12/03/2002

Lt. j.g. Michael Warner, USS Thach public affairs

ABOARD USS THACH AT SEA -- Following a five-day port visit, USS Thach (FFG 43) said goodbye to the friendly people of Hong Kong on Nov. 27.

Arriving on Nov. 22, Hong Kong provided Thach Sailors their first port visit while underway during the 2002-2003 Western Pacific deployment.

"Hong Kong is a beautiful city with a good balance of quiet countryside and hustle and bustle of inner city," said Quartermaster 1st Class (SW) Dwight Davison, of Pasco, Wash. There is "a skyline matched by no other, with its mix of neon signs and large incredible architecture. Hong Kong is truly a gem in the orient," Davison said.

Some Sailors enjoyed the scenery and others enjoyed the hospitality offered by the citizens of Hong Kong.

"Hong Kong has the most friendly people I have encountered in all the countries I have had the privilege of visiting," said Electronics Technician 2nd Class (SW/AW) Richard Crowley, a San Antonio native.

For others, the port visit provided an opportunity to spend time with family.

"This was my second time to Hong Kong and I got a chance to visit with family that still lives here," said Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Justin Lee, a Seattle native. "Thanks to my cousins, I got a chance to see parts of the area I would have never dreamed of seeing. There is so much culture and life going on here. I can't wait to come back!"

Thach, on deployment as part of the USS Constellation (CV 67) battle group, last visited Hong Kong in August 2001.