• Military Menu                       

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

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Essex Enjoys Liberty in Philippines

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061106-08
Release Date: 11/6/2006 10:07:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Marvin E. Thompson Jr., USS Essex Public Affairs

USS ESSEX, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Essex (LHD 2) completed a port visit to Subic Bay, Philippines, Oct. 31-Nov. 2, at the conclusion of Exercise Talon Vision (TV 07) and Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX 07), which ran concurrently from Oct. 16-28 with members of the Armed Force of the Philippines (AFP).

For some of the ship’s Sailors, arriving in the Philippines was a homecoming. For others, it was a chance to explore somewhere they had never been.

Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW) Ronald R. Guerrero was one Essex Sailor making a return to the place he grew up and took advantage of the opportunity by reconnecting with friends and family.

“It was great being able to spend time with my friends and family,” said Guerro. "A lot has changed in the Subic Bay area since I was a kid, but I’m glad that I was able to be home for All Saints Day [Nov. 1]. It gave me a chance to visit the graves of all of my relatives who have passed."

For many other Essex Sailors, this was their first opportunity to visit the Philippines, one that they greatly enjoyed.

“I found tons and tons of things to do,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate Airman Dejonnee Allen. “We went go-carting, then to a great spa and did some shopping.”

Adding a quick note on the cuisine, Allen said, “The food was different but really delicious.”

According to Essex’s Command Master Chief (SW/AW) William T. Etherton, crew members and the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Marines’ liberty conduct was exceptional.

“We set the bar high and the crew exceeded our expectations. We had zero liberty incidents,” stated Etherton. “The crew had fun and enjoyed the friendly nature and hospitality of the Philippines,” he added.

Essex Sailors said they left with positive memories.

“Overall it was a great first liberty port, and I look forward to coming back,” added Allen.

Essex is the flagship for the Essex Amphibious Ready Group and is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship; it serves under Commander, Task Force (CTF) 76, which is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.