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Boxer, John Paul Jones Visit Darwin, Australia

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS050608-10
Release Date: 6/9/2005 4:17:00 AM

By Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class James Bartels, USS Boxer Public Affairs

DARWIN, Australia (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4) and USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) enjoyed a four-day port visit in the “land down under” in the city of Darwin, Australia, May 30-June 3. While in Darwin, Boxer prepared for its upcoming involvement in Exercise Talisman Saber 2005 and was embarked by more than 80 Australian service members.

While the crews aboard Boxer and John Paul Jones worked hard in Darwin to ready themselves and their ships for the exercise to come, they also took the opportunity to taste the culture of the Northern Territory.

Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) teams spent the days leading up to the port visit selling tickets for tours. A visit to the Territory Wildlife Park, a fishing safari, and the chance to see jumping crocodiles in the Adelaide River were just a few of the opportunities offered to Sailors and Marines.

“I had a really great time on my tour. I went on the jumping crocodile tour and it was amazing,” said Legalman 1st Class Cheri Littrell, of Fairmont, W.Va., who is stationed aboard Boxer. “I enjoyed being able to see the wild animals in their natural environment.”

Boxer Sailors also enjoyed the varied cultural opportunities to be had in Darwin.

“I had the opportunity to visit Mindel Beach Sunset Market, where there was a street festival with performers and an array of aboriginal artwork,” said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Soodjai Pongsuvanrat, from Los Angeles, who is stationed aboard Boxer. “I was glad I got to interact with the Aborignines and see how beautiful their crafts are.”

With the beauty of Darwin still firmly in Sailors' minds, Boxer and John Paul Jones steamed June 3 toward Townsville. There, the ships will complete their preparations for Exercise Talisman Saber.

The exercise provides Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet an opportunity to train with the Australian Joint Operations Staff to work as a designated Combined Task Force. The exercise will focus on crisis action planning and execution of contingency response operations.