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Kearsarge Wraps Up Fleet Week 2006

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060601-20
Release Date: 6/1/2006 11:00:00 PM

By Journalist 1st Class (SW) Robert Keilman, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs

NEW YORK (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) departed New York City May 31 after a week-long port visit for Fleet Week 2006.

The ship’s crew participated in a variety of events, ranging from community relations projects like helping feed the homeless at a local soup kitchen, to television appearances on Good Morning America.

Kearsarge service members also hosted two distinguished visitor receptions for some of New York’s leaders, gave tours for more than 40,000 people and attended various Memorial Day Parades hosted by the city.

Marco Svagna of Flushing, N.Y., took a tour aboard Kearsarge and wrote a letter, thanking the crew for their hospitality.

“I had the opportunity to visit Kearsarge with my 15-year-old son. I can’t tell you how impressed I was by the Sailors and Marines I met aboard. All were polite, courteous, knowledgeable and articulate. It was a real treat to see the combat vehicles and helicopters on display and learn about their extraordinary capabilities. Most of all, as an American, I wish to thank all of you for the sacrifices you make in serving and protecting our country. I am proud of you all,” said Svagna.

While on liberty, Kearsarge Sailors and Marines enjoyed an endless array of festivities offered by the city. Some of these gracious gestures included free New York Mets and Yankees baseball tickets, free subway and bus transportation, discounted theater tickets and lowered entrance fees on some of New York’s hottest night clubs. Service members also received VIP access to some of New York’s historical sites like USS Intrepid and Ground Zero.

“I had a great time in New York,” said Air Traffic Controlman 1st Class (AW/SW) Nikolaus Wagenfeiler of Kearsarge’s operations department. “I visited ‘Little Italy’ and tried some authentic Italian cuisine. I also had the opportunity to participate in the gameshow, 'Cash Cab.'”

When Marine Sgt. Curt Woodland of 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, N.C., wasn’t teaching New York visitors about the mortar system during tours of the ship, he enjoyed some rest and relaxation by sightseeing and enjoying the city’s nightlife.

“I did a lot of sightseeing while I was at Fleet Week,” said Woodland. “I saw the Empire State Building, Ground Zero and the New York Stock Exchange, while enjoying the beautiful architecture of the city’s buildings.”

“I liked the way the New Yorkers appreciated us,” added Woodland. “I couldn’t walk more than 10 feet without someone thanking me for my service. The people of New York made me feel like a celebrity, and I can’t thank them enough for their hospitality.”