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Bataan Departs New York After Meaningful Port Visit

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081114-08
Release Date: 11/14/2008 6:24:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Christina M. Shaw, USS Bataan Public Affairs

NEW YORK (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines from the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) departed New York after completing a seven-day port visit Nov. 12, celebrating Veterans Day and supporting the reopening and re-christening of the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum.

During the visit, Bataan's Sailors and Marines took part in community outreach events, hosted tours on board the ship, and enjoyed New York's hospitality.
Opened in 1982, the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum is considered by somem to be one of America's leading historic, cultural and educational institutions. It boasts more than 750,000 visitors each year.

"We certainly take great pride in being included in the festivities surrounding the Intrepid Museum's reopening and rededication," said Capt. Sam Howard, commanding officer of the Bataan. "The Intrepid has one of the most distinguished service records of any Navy ship.
It's important for today's Sailors and Marines to understand their heritage, and Intrepid provides a link to do that."

While in New York, Bataan's Sailors lent a helping hand to the veterans of the Institute for Community Living, Borden Avenue Veterans Residence Nov. 6 as part of the ship's planned support to the community during her port visit to New York City.

"It is important to honor those who have sacrificed and served, and how we care for them is a direct reflection on the character of a society and a culture. How we treat them is important and says a lot about who we are," said Bataan Chaplain Lt. Thomas Cook.

The Sailors and Marines participated in a number of other community outreach events including a visit to the veterans hospital in the Bronx to visit with veterans and thank them for their service. The Bataan team also participated in the hospital's Veterans Day ceremony, marched in the New York City Veterans Day Parade and opened the ship to daily public tours.

"It was nice to be able to show New York exactly what Bataan does best and knock out any of the mystery behind our mission," said Damage Controlman 2nd Class Jeret Parker, a native of Iota, La.

They also represented the Sailors and Marines deployed around the world at the New York Knicks, Jets and Islander's Military Appreciation games.

During a time out at the New York Knicks game, the announcer praised the commitment of U.S. military families before calling Damage Controlman 3rd Class Dana Cox of Lancaster, Pa., to the floor where she was reunited with her mother thanks to NavyForMoms.com, which sponsored the Knicks outing for members of Bataan's crew and arranged the mother-daughter reunion.

Bataan will participate in an at-sea group exercise with members of the 22d Marine Corps Expeditionary Unit and the other ships of the Bataan Strike Group before returning to Norfolk later this month.

For more news from USS Bataan, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd5/.