• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Salvor Departs Fiji

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060927-15
Release Date: 9/27/2006 12:52:00 PM

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

SUVA, Fiji (NNS) -- USS Salvor (ARS 52) departed the Republic of Fiji Sept. 17, completing a three-day port visit here filled with a number of relationship-building activities.

While in Fiji, the Salvor crew participated in a community service project, hosted the U.S. ambassador, participated in sporting events with Republic of Fiji navy (RFN) members during a sports day and explored the island.

Eight Salvor Sailors participated in the community relations project, cleaning up a nearby beach and residential area in support of National Cleanup Fiji Day.

Throughout its deployment as a participant in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), Salvor Sailors have continually reached out to host nations to offer their services in respect and appreciation to the countries. The cleanup project was just as rewarding, said the participating Sailors.

“It was so great to see little children with their parents and grandparents out in their neighborhoods and the nearby beach,” said Engineman 3rd Class (SW) Claire Aguirre, one of the service project participants. “I am so glad we got to talk with them while helping to make their neighborhoods a nicer place to live; they are very warm people.”

Upon arriving, Salvor hosted U.S. Ambassador to Fiji Larry Dinger for lunch with Salvor’s wardroom and a tour of the ship. After learning of the avid divers aboard, he highly recommended diving the island’s reef and wreck sites. Dinger is also ambassador to the Republic of Kiribati, the Republic of Nauru and the Kingdom of Tonga and Tuvalu.

On the second day in port, 12 Salvor Sailors, led by Senior Enlisted Advisor, Senior Chief Navy Diver (MOV/OSW/SW) Michael Moser, challenged RFN teams in volleyball and ultimate Frisbee. In return, the Fijians, who are known for being exceptional rugby players, taught Salvor Sailors to play a delicate version of the game: touch rugby. All players thoroughly enjoyed themselves throughout the day of fun and competition.

Other Sailors ventured west to experience a more secluded part of the island. The beautiful Pacific Harbor offered beaches, restaurants, a pool, and golf to all Salvor Sailors and included a small surfing village, which was perfect for Hawaii-based Sailors.

Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class (SW) Travis Plantt had a relaxing evening on the beach.

“I found a hammock on the beach tied between two trees; it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up," he said.

Salvor is stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and is returning from a five-month deployment to Southeast Asia as part of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2006.