Philippine Navy Guests Tour USS Tortuga
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS080528-14
Release Date: 5/28/2008 5:35:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kelli Roesch, Commander, Task Group 73 Public Affairs
PUERTO PRINCESA, Republic of the Philippines (NNS) -- More than 90 family members of Philippine Navy Sailors visited USS Tortuga (LSD 46) in Puerto Princesa, May 27, for the Philippine phase of the 14th annual Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise.
Tortuga crew members led ship tours and showed the guests many parts of the ship in an effort to promote continued understanding between the U.S. and Philippines.
"It's nice to make friends wherever you go," said Ens. Jordon W. Puryear. "If you are nice to people, they will respect you. Doing these tours just makes us a few more friends."
In addition to showing the Philippine guests how U.S. Navy Sailors live and work, Ensign Daren DeCaen said the tours allow visitors to see a different side of the U.S. Navy.
"I think it's good to show that even though Tortuga is a warship, it is also a valuable tool for humanitarian aid too," DeCaen said. "We have excellent tools on board to deliver aid quickly and efficiently."
Tortuga has delivered humanitarian aid in Southeast Asia in the past. Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Bradley Bicksler was aboard Tortuga in 2004 for tsunami relief efforts in Indonesia. Bicksler noted giving tours to the Philippine guests helps them better appreciate the U.S. Navy's relief capabilities.
"This gives them a chance to see what we can do to help in case of need," Bicksler said. "We never know where we'll have to go next to help deliver aid."
Philippine Navy Chief Petty Officer Delos Reyes of Naval Forces West, explained why so many families wanted to visit the ship.
"It is very real to see your ship in person," said Reyes. "The people were curious to see what is on your ship and they were very excited about the opportunity."
Sanita Devera, whose husband is a chief petty officer in the Philippine Navy, was surprised with Tortuga.
"I learned it was well organized and all of the ship was very nice and clean," she said.
For eleven-year-old Joseph Roquid, nothing compared to the ship's weapons.
"I liked to see the guns!" he said.
Philippine Engineman Arnulfo Ragasa brought his wife and three children to see the ship. Although he has spent 24 years in the Philippine Navy he was still impressed with Tortuga's comfort.
"The ship is very big and beautiful, and it has air conditioning for the crew," said Ragasa.
Nations participating in CARAT 2008 include Brunei, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore Thailand, and the U.S. Approximately 1400 U.S. personnel will take part in CARAT.
For more news from, Commander Task Force 73, visit www.navy.mil/local/clwp/.
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