• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Peleliu, Halsey Underway Following Sydney Port Visit

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081020-03
Release Date: 10/20/2008 10:40:00 AM

From Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs

SYDNEY, Australia (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Peleliu (LHA 5) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) departed Sydney, Australia, Oct. 14 following a scheduled four-day port visit.

During the visit, more than 1,500 Sailors and 1,300 Marines met with local citizens, experienced Australian customs and traditions and enjoyed the many recreational activities offered in Sydney.

"The United States Navy has been coming to this wonderful country for 100 years, and we are honored to have such a strong ally and such a steadfast friend in Australia," said Peleliu Commanding Officer, Capt. Marcus A. Hitchcock.

Sailors and Marines took part in a variety of community relations (COMREL) projects and sporting events in the local area during the port visit.

One COMREL project had Sailors and Marines from Peleliu working side-by-side with Halsey Sailors at the St. John Volunteer Ambulance Station. The group of volunteers helped clean ambulances, organize a garage as well as fix emergency radios and other equipment.

"Australians have showed us a lot of hospitality over the years, and by doing this we can try to leave a lasting impact not only by taking part in the culture, but by giving something back to the community," said Lt. Demetric Felton, a chaplain aboard Peleliu who organized the ambulance station project.

"We are all human beings, and we are here to support and take care of one another," said Felton, a native of Tifton, Ga.

Sailors who took part in the COMREL said they enjoyed the opportunity to help others during the port visit.

"This is my first COMREL, and it is great to help others," said Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) 2nd Class (SW) James Oliver, a Sailor aboard Halsey. "It feels good to help out the community."

"I would like to let the Australian locals know that we are supporting them, and I like giving the Navy a positive image," added Oliver, a native of Greenville, S.C.

In another COMREL project, more than 80 Sailors and Marines were paired with local families in the Sydney area as part of the "Home Hospitality" program. This unique opportunity allowed Sailors to tour the city, attend movies and concerts and enjoy traditional meals at restaurants and in the homes of sponsor families.

"They took us to the Olympic stadium and out to the beaches and showed us all around," said Yeoman Seaman Bobby L. Franklin, a Sailor aboard Peleliu who took part in the program. "They cooked us the best meal I've ever tried. They treated us like family."

"I would recommend this to other Sailors because it actually gives you a chance to meet someone that lives here and can show you areas that otherwise you wouldn't know about," added Franklin, a native of Lyons, Ga. "I ended up spending all three days with the family."

Peleliu is the flagship of the Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group (PELESG) and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit which is currently conducting operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. The PELESG left San Diego May 4 for a scheduled deployment.

The U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets, with approximately 60-70 ships, 200-300 aircraft and 40,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any given time.

For more news from USS Peleliu (LHA 5) - Peleliu Expeditionary Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/lha5/.