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BHR Departs Hawaii, Welcomes Tigers

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080812-05
Release Date: 8/12/2008 6:15:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Ryan Tabios, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) (BHR) sailed from Pearl Harbor Aug. 1, completing Rim of the Pacific 2008 and with her she brings 81 family and friends for a Tiger Cruise.

During the three-day port visit Sailors and Marines had a chance to get some rest and relaxation before entering BHR's next mission: the journey home.

"Aside from having duty, Hawaii was relaxing and beautiful," said Ensign Courey Marshall, a native of Mt. Vernon, Texas. "A few Sailors and I laid out on the beach and enjoyed the scenery that Hawaii has to offer. We didn't have a chance to visit the Arizona or Missouri memorials, but if I ever had a chance for a vacation, I'd take one here."

While in Pearl Harbor, Tigers from across the country embarked BHR reuniting them with Sailors and Marines for a rare opportunity to experience first-hand what life at sea is like.

"I'm interested in seeing the day to day operations of the ship, especially flight operations," said Mike McTaggart. "This is my first experience on a naval ship and I look forward to seeing how things work."

"This is my second tiger cruise and so far the highlight has been the manning the rails ceremony," said Joseph Ugalde, a native of Pismo Beach, Calif. "In the next week I hope to experience the different spaces and capabilities of this warship."

For 17-year-old Juanita Mejia, a native of Chicago and senior at Saint Joseph High School, the experience will offer an idea of what the Navy is like should she decide to join.

"Actually I have been thinking about joining the Navy and trying to get into the Naval Academy," said Mejia. "My brother told me it would be a good idea to see things for myself, so I came along for the sail. So far it's been awesome; it was great to see how the Sailors paid their respects to those who lost their lives during the attack on Pearl Harbor."

For most Sailors, leaving Pearl Harbor not only summarizes weeks of hard work and accomplishments during RIMPAC, but an event that brings all closer to home.

"RIMPAC was great, everyone worked together and got the mission's accomplished," said Electronics Technician 2nd Class (SW/AW) Eric Santillano. "Pearl [Harbor] was fun and I spent a lot of money, but I can't wait to return home and see my wife and daughter."

For more news from USS Bonhomme Richard, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd6/.