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USS Tarawa Makes Port Call in Fremantle, Australia

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080502-10
Release Date: 5/2/2008 12:09:00 PM

From USS Tarawa Public Affairs

FREMANTLE, Australia (NNS) -- More than 3,000 Sailors and Marines arrived in Fremantle aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa (LHA 1) on May 2.

Tarawa, Amphibious Squadron 1, and the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are making the port visit as part of their regularly scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

"Tarawa Sailors and Marines always enjoy the opportunity to visit incredible cities like Perth and Fremantle," said Tarawa Commanding Officer Capt. Brian Luther. "Coming here offers them the chance to experience the culture, customs, and traditions of one of our greatest allies, and enjoy the one-of-a-kind hospitality that Navy Sailors have been talking about for decades."

While in Fremantle, Sailors and Marines plan to meet local citizens and participate in Morale, Welfare, and Recreation sponsored tours that include a variety of leisure activities ranging from hiking to mountain biking.

In addition to rest and relaxation, Tarawa crew members will volunteer their time and services to assist at the Cohunu Koala Park with the weighing and documenting of the park's koala bears.

"The United States and Australia are great allies and partners with many shared interests, but that's not the main reason our Sailors and Marines are volunteering their time with the local community," said Luther. "They volunteer because, despite differing nationalities, we share the same values-- we want to help and we want to make a positive difference when and where we can."

Tarawa has arrived directly from the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations as part of the Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG).

While on deployment, Tarawa ESG has provided disaster relief and humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Sidr, conducted Maritime Security Operations in the Persian Gulf, and provided direct support to Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.

For more news from Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/tarawaesg/.