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USS Mesa Verde to Visit Canada for First Port Visit Outside U.S.

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080527-08
Release Date: 5/27/2008 12:31:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman (SW) Kiona Mckissack, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

USS MESA VERDE, At Sea (NNS) -- The amphibious transport dock ship USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19) left Naval Station Norfolk May 21, to begin her journey to Quebec City, Canada.

The ship is participating in the Rendez-vous Naval de Québec as part of the 400th anniversary celebration of the founding of Quebec City.

During the ship's port visit, Mesa Verde will be participating in events with navies from around the world and will also help Canada's local community with community relations projects.

"This port visit to Canada is to represent our Navy and country at the celebration of the 400th anniversary of the founding of the city of Quebec," said Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Flemming, executive officer of Mesa Verde. "It really shows a strong support for neighbors and allies."

Quebec invited its founding countries to participate in the naval gathering which will showcase the history of Quebec and also show different ship capabilities. Naval vessels from the United States, France, Great Britain, Ireland and Canada will pull into port at Bassin Louise. Mesa Verde will also host one of four receptions aboard the ship.

During the four-day port visit, Mesa Verde crew members will show their support to Quebec City by getting involved with the local community. Sailors have volunteered to help paint a facility that retrains the homeless population in various job sectors. The crew members will also be performing maintenance at a training facility that teaches the homeless to become chefs.

"This crew enjoys giving their time to help others. It's the smiles that are our pat on the back for a job well done," said Flemming. "These Sailors gain satisfaction by giving of themselves to help someone else."

After leaving Quebec City, the ships will line up to participate in a parade of ships called a "sail past." As the ships pass through the St. Lawrence River, seven ships will line up in formation and sail past the Citadel in Quebec City. During this event, combatant ships will render honors as onlookers watch from the river bank.

"I think that the people on the river banks will see from each ship the pride their Sailors have in their Navy and in their ship," said Flemming.

This will be the first foreign port for Mesa Verde.

"I think this is the right ship to send to Canada. Through all the training these Sailors have done, now it's the crew members chance to take it up to Canada and show it off to the Canadians and other navies that will be taking part in the Naval Rendezvous," Flemming said.

For more news from USS Mesa Verde, visit www.navy.mil/local/mesa/.