Pelican Moors in the 'Big Easy'
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS061028-06
Release Date: 10/28/2006 10:48:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Poe, Naval Support Activity New Orleans Public Affairs
NEW ORLEANS (NNS) -- USS Pelican (MHC 53), a coastal minehunter homeported at Naval Station Ingleside, Texas, marked the beginning of a weekend port call in New Orleans when it moored pierside at Naval Support Activity (NSA) New Orleans, Oct. 20.
During the ship’s weekend visit to Louisiana, otherwise known as the Pelican state, ship’s company took part in New Orleans’ post-Katrina rebuilding as they volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. They also enjoyed tourist favorites like the Garden District, the Crescent City’s Riverwalk, and the historic French Quarter. Some Pelican Sailors even got the chance to tee off at the Tournament Players’ Club (TPC) Louisiana, located in suburban New Orleans.
Chief Quartermaster (SW) Albert Stokes, originally from New Orleans, said he was glad to be back in the “Big Easy,” though Hurricane Katrina’s reminders still made it tough.
“I’m looking forward to seeing some family and friends, but my mother’s home (his childhood home) was ruined in east New Orleans,” said Stokes. “It’s sad to see what’s left of the neighborhood, but it’s good to see the city is on its way back.”
Stokes said he looked forward to seeing everything Cajun culture had to offer Pelican Sailors and hoped they took some of their weekend experiences back to sea with them.
“I hope they take notice of the pride and tradition New Orleanians are famous for,” said Stokes. “I hope they realize New Orleanians are proof that in the face of a bad situation, you can always pick up the pieces and move forward.”
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