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Salvor Makes Port Visit to Fiji

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060919-09
Release Date: 9/19/2006 12:11:00 PM

By Lt. j.g. Shannon Revell, USS Salvor Public Affairs

SUVA, Fiji (NNS) -- USS Salvor (ARS 52) arrived Sept. 14 to the island of Viti Levu, Fiji, for a period of morale and welfare following the conclusion of the Southeast Asia exercise series Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2006.

While in Fiji, the 100-person Salvor crew will have the opportunity to relax in the island atmosphere of the archipelago, which hosts more than 300 islands scattered over 42,000 square miles of ocean.

Trips are scheduled predominantly around Suva, the capital and economic center of Fiji, whose islands are fringed with coral reefs and filled with some of the most diverse fish populations on earth, which makes diving and snorkeling here renowned, according to most tour guide periodicals of the area.

Salvor Sailors said they are excited to have the rare opportunity to explore Suva’s natural beauty and exotic culture.

Before heading out, Quartermaster 2nd Class (DSW/SW) Jason Tangalin had his perfect Fiji day already planned.

“A group of us are going to hit the beaches, play volleyball, and find the solid swells the island boasts,” he said.

For the crew, the port visit marks a truly unique opportunity and is a perfect example of how the Navy affords its Sailors a chance to see the world and experience other cultures, said Lt. Raul Santospieve, the ship’s chief engineer. Sailors said they were looking forward to surfing the waves, diving the reefs, tasting local cuisines, shopping and enjoying recreational tours in Suva.

Commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Colby Howard, Salvor sailed into Suva after conducting a week of operations in the South Pacific after the ship’s recent port visit to Cairns, Australia. The ship-focused training was in addition to the numerous bilateral exercises conducted during CARAT.

“Our crew has been working hard at sea in support of Salvor’s continual readiness, and we are excited to explore the islands of Fiji before returning home,” said Howard.

Salvor’s senior enlisted advisor, Senior Chief Navy Diver (MOV/OSW/SW) Michael Moser, said he is excited that the Navy is taking him somewhere his long career has never taken him before.

“Fiji is a place that I never thought I would go, but now the Navy is providing our ship with this wonderful opportunity,” he said. “Fiji will be paradise to scuba divers and beach lovers alike. I hear it is beautiful from the reefs to the rainforests.”

While in port, the ship will host a reception for government and business leaders from Fiji, allowing Sailors and visitors the opportunity to interact and share their different experiences and cultures. The crew will participate in a community service project, conduct ship tours for invited guests, and enjoy visiting historical and cultural sites around Suva.

Salvor is homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and is returning from a four-month deployment to Southeast Asia as part of CARAT 2006.