Tarawa Goes 'Down Under' for Liberty Port
Navy Newsstand
Story Number: NNS030624-18
Release Date: 6/25/2003 3:58:00 AM
By Journalist Seaman David Perea, USS Tarawa Public Affairs
TOWNSVILLE, Australia (NNS) -- After approximately a four-month tenure at the helm of the "Gator Navy" forces in the Arabian Gulf, USS Tarawa (LHA 1) and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable) crossed the equator to go "down under" for their liberty.
Sailors and Marines experienced the sights, sounds and hospitality of Townsville, Australia, during a port visit June 20-23. Townsville, located in Australia's northeastern state of Queensland, is the largest tropical city of the continent.
"Townsville had a lot of things to do," said Tarawa crew member Airman Recruit Lee Pracht.
During the three-day stay, the crew experienced the renowned beauty of the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef in the world, located along the northeastern coast of Australia. It is home to some 350 species of colorful corals.
Sailors and Marines were privy to recreational activities, such as diving and snorkeling expeditions, white water rafting trips and a host of other tours. They also had the opportunity to experience the Australian backcountry with a one-day cattle muster. The cattle muster featured activities that called for them to help drive cattle, shear sheep, brand calves - all followed by a campfire barbecue lunch.
Townsville also includes other attractions, such as galleries, theaters, casinos and Flinder's Mall, a shopping mall housed in restored historical buildings.
"Sailors need their port visits, and this place fit the bill," Signalman Seaman Steve Picanso said enthusiastically, after commenting that he spent most of his time in the Flinder's district of downtown Townsville.
"The nightlife was my favorite thing about the city; it was the best one yet," noted Photographer's Mate Airman Matthew Clayborne. "I loved the hospitality of the Australian people."
This was the fourth port visit of the six-month 2003 Western Pacific deployment, since Tarawa set out from San Diego Jan. 6.
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