Military

Sailors, Marines Relax on Guam Following Military Exercise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070719-04
Release Date: 7/19/2007 2:42:00 PM

By Oyaol Ngirairikl, U.S. Naval Forces Marianas Public Affairs

SANTA RITA, Guam (NNS) -- U.S. Naval Base Guam enjoyed an unexpected visit from thousands of Marines and Sailors July 16.

Prior to their port visit to Guam, USS Juneau (LDP 10) and USS Tortuga (LSD 46) were taking part in Talisman Saber 2007, a joint and combined exercise demonstrating and improving on the U.S.-Australian military alliance.

The ships were returning to Sasebo, Japan, but had to detour to Guam as Typhoon Man-Yi hit Japan.

“We’re trying to maximize liberty while we’re here,” said Lt. Todd Lombard, Juneau communications officer. “This is not my first trip [to Guam], I was stationed here twice, but this is the first for a lot of the guys [who are] looking forward to enjoying some restaurant food, playing golf and just relaxing.”

Marine Lance Cpl. Joe Paul Shorp and Marine Lance Cpl. Andrew Barfield said they’re looking forward to enjoying some time on U.S. soil.

Both ships serve under 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.