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Essex Sailors and Marines Enjoy Hong Kong

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071107-05
Release Date: 11/7/2007 8:51:00 AM

From USS Essex Public Affairs

USS ESSEX, At Sea (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines from the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) returned to sea Nov. 6 after a three-day port visit in Hong Kong.

While in port, the ship's approximately 2,000 Sailors and Marines had a chance to enjoy the city's culture and host members of the local community for tours and a reception aboard the ship for approximately 275 distinguished guests.

"We want to continue to foster good relations," said Essex Supply Officer, Cmdr. Kenneth Dixon. "Hosting a reception aboard the ship lets us do that. The reception was a success; I received nothing but positive feedback."

While in port, the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) division also provided a variety of tours and trips enjoyed by several hundred crew members. The various trips included tours of Disneyland Hong Kong, Lantau Island Monestary, home of the world's largest Buddha statue and a trip showcasing the city of Hong Kong itself.

"MWR gave the Sailors and Marines a chance to see and do things that many do not experience during a port visit," said Essex Afloat Recreation Specialist Mick Hultz. "Many of the Sailors who attended the tours were new to MWR events."

Seeing pink dolphins on the Lantau Island Monastery tour along with visiting a small fishing village helped many realize the diversity and uniqueness of the region.

"I really had a great time in Hong Kong; it was awesome," said Seaman Recruit Mikah Deleon, participating in her first deployment. "I wanted to come to 7th Fleet specifically to travel around Asia; seeing a city like Hong Kong is why I wanted to join the Navy."

Essex is conducting its semi-seasonal fall patrol throughout East and Southeast Asia, as part of the Essex Expeditionary Strike Group (ESXESG).

Operating in the Western Pacific, ESXESG's presence demonstrates the U.S. commitment to fulfilling various treaty obligations and security arrangements in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. Essex and its strike group will remain postured to render aid in the region if needed, in support of Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet's goal of delivering responsive, short-term readiness.

Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan.