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Tortuga Arrives in Sydney

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070706-09
Release Date: 7/6/2007 10:36:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Brandon A. Myrick, USS Tortuga Public Affairs

SYDNEY, Australia (NNS) -- USS Tortuga (LSD 46), elements from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and embarked midshipmen arrived in Sydney July 5 for a scheduled port visit after completing Exercise Talisman Saber 2007 (TS07).

Talisman Saber’s field training component of the exercises concluded July 3. It was a joint and combined exercise demonstrating and improving on the U.S.-Australian military alliance that featured crisis action planning and execution of contingency response operations in land, sea and air maneuvers.

“The Sailors and Marines have worked incredibly hard to make the TS07 exercise a success and deserve this kind of port visit,” said Tortuga Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Todd A. Lewis. “This will be a great opportunity for Tortuga to enjoy the sights and hospitality of this city. We are in for a treat.”

Sailors and Marines will have the chance to appreciate the entire city while taking part in ship-sponsored Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) tours.

“I have always wanted to visit Australia for as long as I can remember,” said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Chris M. Searles. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I plan to take full advantage of the tours offered.”

While there are plenty of leisurely activities for the Sailors and Marines to take part in while visiting Sydney, some crew members are dedicating some of their liberty hours to helping the local community by volunteering at Sydney’s Children’s Hospital at Westmead, where they plan on spending a portion of their liberty to experience the chance to entertain the residents and bring a smile to young faces.

“Participating in community relations projects allows Sailors and Marines the chance to see the host country’s culture firsthand,” said Tortuga’s Community Service Director, Chief Boatswain’s Mate (SW/AW) Earnest C. Pippen.

According to Pippen, there will be a total of 26 Sailors and 15 Marines who will take part in the community relations project in Sydney.

Sydney is home to the world-famous Sydney Opera House, which offers Sailors a chance to do something they would not normally get to do.

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me to reenlist at the Opera House,” said Fire Controlman 2nd Class (SW) Sumi McLennan. “It will be a memory I will cherish forever in my naval career.”

“It is a blessing and an honor to be able to visit a port such as Sydney,” said Lewis. “Many people go their entire careers never having the opportunity to experience this country.”

Tortuga is a dock landing ship serving under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/Task Force 76, the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force. ESG 7/Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.