Iwo Jima Arrived in Portland for July 4 Celebration
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS050706-07
Release Date: 7/6/2005 8:47:00 AM
By Journalist 1st Class (SW) Mike Jones, USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs
ABOARD USS IWO JIMA (NNS) -- USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) arrived in Portland, Maine, July 2 to kick off Independence Day celebrations hosted by city officials and the Propeller Club of the Port of Portland.
The sheer size of the amphibious warship made it an instant attraction to the patriotic residents who gathered in crowds along Casco Bay to welcome Iwo Jima for the July 4 weekend.
“The city of Portland has opened its arms to this outstanding crew, and we are all proud to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day here,” remarked Iwo Jima Commanding Officer Capt. Richard S. Callas. “We couldn’t have asked for a better reception from the city and its citizens.”
Once the brow was down, Iwo Sailors streamed into downtown Portland – many to a hero’s welcome. “Lots of people had come up to us to just say ‘Thank You’,” said Air Traffic Controlman Airman Recruit Steffen W. Francisco. “It was a great feeling.”
Francisco was among many Iwo Sailors to attend the Portland Symphony concert put on for the crew at Fort Williams, Cape Elizabeth. “We entered and everyone started cheering,” he beamed. “It made me feel very proud.”
Portland residents turned out at the pier Sunday by the thousands to catch a glimpse inside Iwo. Duty section tour guides were on hand to answer questions and pose for photos with the many visitors. “It’s the largest ship to pull into port here since the Queen Mary II last year – this is an amazing vessel,” said Portland resident Jerice Goulet. “It was fascinating to see.”
Former President George H.W. Bush even made a surprise visit to the ship Sunday, stopping numerous times during his tour to meet the crew and pose for photos. “That was awesome,” said Medical Department’s Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Adelina Luna. “He definitely made us all feel welcome here – this is something I’ll definitely remember.”
Veterans of the Battle of Iwo Jima were also honored during the visit with a reception Sunday evening. Assembled in front of LHD 7’s Memorial Wall, which features the names of more than 6,000 Americans lost during the campaign, approximately 23 survivors each received American flags flown over the ship February 23, 2005 – 60 years after the famous flag raising atop Mt. Suribachi.
Among the survivors in attendance was Retired Marine Col. Frank Caldwell, former commanding officer of Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Marine Division during the battle. Caldwell, who received the Navy Cross for his actions during the battle, embarked aboard LHD 7 in Norfolk and rode the ship to Portland, his first journey at sea with the Navy since he crossed the Pacific so many years earlier.
Portland residents also packed the pier July 4 as the ship again opened for public tours.
Independence Day celebrations concluded with a large fireworks display over Portland’s Eastern Promenade.
Iwo Jima departed Portland early July 5.
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