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Patriot Arrives in Hong Kong for Port Visit

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060713-01
Release Date: 7/13/2006 12:54:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam R. Cole, Task Force 76 Public Affairs

HONG KONG (NNS) -- Sailors of Sasebo, Japan-based USS Patriot (MCM 7) arrived here July 11 for a scheduled port visit.

After port visits to Vietnam and Brunei, which emphasized diplomatic activities, the visit in Hong Kong will be primarily for crew morale and recreation, said Patriot Senior Enlisted Advisor, Senior Chief Mineman (SW) Leo Butler.

"There's a lot to do in Hong Kong, and I know the crew is excited to do shopping and take some of the tours," said Butler.

Since departing from Sasebo in mid-April, the ship has made visits to Singapore, Brunei, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia. Butler said that Hong Kong will be another positive opportunity for the crew to expand their horizons.

"I think any time you are somewhere that is different from home, it is a great learning experience, just in discovering what is unique about a particular place," said Butler. "I think the crew will enjoy Hong Kong and hopefully get a chance to see a lot of the culture there."

Much of the Patriot crew is looking forward to the visit, noting shopping as one of the main highlights. Hong Kong is renowned for its open-air markets and tailor-made suits.

"I am looking forward to the shopping and getting some good music while here," said Mineman 3rd Class Matt T. Lalonde, who collected music CDs from local rock artists in all the ports Patriot has been to thus far.

Prior to Patriot's arrival, members of embarked Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, Detachment (Det) 51 conducted a passing exercise with the Hong Police EOD that focused on countering Improvised Explosive Devices (IED).

For the Patriot crew, interaction activities are planned. The naval attache in Hong Kong has planned a social event for senior leaders of the crew at the American Club of Hong Kong. Junior personnel will be treated to a home-cooked meal as part the "Meals in the Home" program hosted by the Hong Kong American Women's Association (AWA).

Patriot Sailors will also conduct a community service project at the Leung King Adult Training Center, a center that serves mentally handicapped people. Service projects have been a continual theme during the deployment for Patriot Sailors, as they have accomplished work for mentally ill children in Brunei, schoolchildren in Thailand, orphans in Vietnam and AIDS patients in Singapore.

"I look forward to helping out and reaching out," said Culinary Specialist Seaman Recruit Chenyu Tsui, who has volunteered at all the service projects. "By helping out and seeing these people with less, it makes me appreciate what I have and gives me motivation to do more for them."

Like they have done throughout their deployment, Patriot Sailors look to make the most of the port visit.

Patriot is a Mine Countermeasures ship forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan. Patriot and USS Guardian (MCM 5) serve under Task Force 76, which serves as the U.S. 7th Fleet's mine countermeasures arm in forward-deployed operations. The ship and embarked Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, Detachment (Det) 51 are currently deployed in Southeast Asia to support the 7th Fleet's interoperability and training commitments in mine neutralization warfare and maritime operations.

For more information on CTF 76, visit www.ctf76.navy.mil.

For related news, visit the Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/ctf76/.