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USS Reuben James Visits Guadalcanal

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080207-07
Release Date: 2/7/2008 8:25:00 AM

By Ensign Fallon Rossi, USS Reuben James Public Affairs

HONIARA, Guadalcanal (NNS) -- Over 65 years after the infamous Battle of Guadalcanal, fought between August 1942 and February 1943, USS Reuben James (FFG 57) moored in Honiara for an opportunity to experience the shared history between the United States and the Solomon Islands.

Upon arrival to the Islands, as a tribute to those service members and local Solomon Islanders who lost their lives during the Guadalcanal Campaign, Reuben James conducted several traditional ship-handling maneuvers across Iron Bottom Sound, so named for the many military aircraft, ships, and submarines at rest on the ocean floor.

The port visit brought to life an important history lesson, but also afforded the crew an occasion to express gratitude to the local citizens for their support of the United States so many years ago.

At a reception on the flight deck, hosted by the wardroom and chiefs mess for over 50 honored guests, Cmdr. Joe Naman, commanding officer, spoke to the significance of the relationship between the United States and the Solomon Islands.

"The Battle of Guadalcanal was the first significant strategic combined arms victory by allied forces over Japanese forces in the Pacific theatre. Without the help of the people of the Solomon Islands, we would not have seen such victory" said Naman.

After the short speech, Naman offered a toast to the people of the Solomon Islands and to the guest of honor, Prime Minister Dr. Derek Sikua. Sikua then offered a toast to the crew of Reuben James, and the friendship between the two nations.

Naman made several official calls during the ship's time in Honiara. The Governor General, His Excellency Sir Nathaniel Waena, tendered a warm welcome to the captain and voiced the hope that the ship's visit would "freshen the bonds that were established some 60 years ago when we were liberated."

Always cognizant of the importance of community relations and the need to create a lasting, positive image of the United States, crew members of Reuben James volunteered their time to provide assistance at the Red Cross Disability Center and Maeva House, a women and children's refuge.

Together with local citizens, the volunteers performed yard work at the Red Cross and painted the entryway and kitchen of the refuge center.

Storekeeper 1st Class (SW) Shad Wakefield, an avid volunteer who never misses a community relations project if he can help it, said, "When we can step away from our training and give back to the communities by offering our support and assistance to the local areas, it makes all of the long hours we spend away from our families worthwhile."

In addition to community relations projects, several Sailors were given the opportunity to reenlist at the American Memorial, renewing their military commitment while seeing the battlefields in the distant valley below.

"Reenlisting in Guadalcanal was amazing," said Electronics Technician 2nd Class Anthony Skillman. "The opportunity to be at such a historic location and speak to some of the veterans was an experience I will never forget."

Senior Chief Electronics Technician (SW/AW) Matthew Anuci agreed.

"I postponed my reenlistment when I learned the ship was going to Guadalcanal. It was an opportunity to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II," said Anuci.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c7f/.