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USS Wasp Makes Port Call to Philadelphia

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061219-02
Release Date: 12/19/2006 1:45:00 PM

By Chief Mass Communication Specialist Craig Strawser, USS Wasp Public Affairs

PHILADELPHIA (NNS) -- USS Wasp (LHD 1) made a port call to Philadelphia as a demonstration of Navy spirit in support of the Army-Navy game the weekend of Dec. 2 and throughout the following week.

While in port, several of the Sailors took part in community relations events, as well as attended the Army-Navy football game, Monday night football and a host of other activities.

Some Sailors went to the local high schools to talk to students about Navy life, and others went to a local Veteran's Affairs (VA) hospital to talk to the veterans as part of the community relations projects.

Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Toni Burton said she was happy to have the opportunity to meet some amazing veterans during her time at the VA, in particular a retired colonel who was one of the original Tuskegee Airmen.

“As a young black woman, I really felt honored to have the opportunity to meet him,” she said. “I really respect the challenges he was able to overcome to do what he did. It was amazing, the amount of information he could remember. As he told us about the people he worked with, you actually felt like you were getting to know them yourself. It was almost like experiencing that history personally.”

Thanks to the generosity of the Philadelphia Navy League, more than 450 Sailors from the three ships attended the Army-Navy game in uniform to support their team.

For Intelligence Specialist 2nd Class Antonio Pagan, this was his first time going to the game.

“It was a different type of game,” he said. “There was a very friendly rivalry that was real unique. Even though they were competing against each other, it was still ‘one team – one fight.’ It was a lot different from your typical college rivalry.”

In addition to going to the stadium, many Sailors went to an Army-Navy party sponsored by the local chapter of the Navy League. Following the game, Wasp Sailors continued to make their presence known, when the ship’s color guard performed the opening ceremony for the Philadelphia Flyers hockey game.

“It was pretty cool to get to be the color guard for the Flyer’s game right after Navy won,” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Emma Reynolds. “Everyone was so appreciative of us, and they even put us in the press box after we finished, so we could watch the game.”

Sunday was a big day for the Wasp crew as well, as they welcomed members of the Philadelphia 76ers dance squad, and the mascot for the Philadelphia 'Phillies,' the 'Phillie Phanatic' aboard the ship. As the dancers and the Phanatic made their way through the ship, they were bombarded with requests for pictures and autographs. They were amazed at the reception they received, and repeatedly said how honored they were to have the opportunity to meet Wasp Sailors. One hundred sixty Sailors attended the 76ers game that night.

Wasp even had Joe Vento, the owner of one of Philadelphia’s most famous cheese steak venues, came aboard for a tour. He rode his custom-built motorcycle to the ship and personally prepared more than 200 cheese steaks for the crew.

“I appreciate everything you guys do out here for us,” said Vento. “I’m glad I have this opportunity to give a little bit back. After all these years, it’s the first time I’ve had a chance to see a Navy ship from this perspective.”

The ship wrapped up its stay in Philadelphia with a trip back to Lincoln Financial Field, this time for Monday Night Football. More than 140 Wasp Sailors were able to attend the game.

Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Eddie Espinosa jumped at the chance to watch his home-team, the Eagles, play on Monday Night Football.

“I’m a huge Eagles fan, so being able to see them play in a home-game, and win, was great! It was very cold, but definitely worth going,” Espinosa said.

Wasp was able to share its enthusiasm with the Nation, through several spots aired that night on television. The sports channel, ESPN, reciprocated, making it possible for several of Wasp’s Sailors attending the game to meet football legends such as Mike Ditka and Ron “Jaws” Jaworski, as well as sportscasters Stuart Scott and Chris Berman.

Many Wasp Sailors said they left Philadelphia with a new affinity for the city, its residents and its history. Many saw the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall for the first time, while others visited the nation’s oldest steel hulled warship, Admiral Dewey’s flagship USS Olympia. Wasp, Halyburton, and Klakring accomplished their mission of demonstrating the professionalism, dedication, and spirit of the U.S. Navy.