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Lassen Sailors Maximize Visit Before Departing Bali

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090204-05
Release Date: 2/4/2009 1:31:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Charles Oki, Navy Public Affairs Support Element Japan

BALI, Indonesia (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) departed Bali Feb. 3, where the crew spent three days taking advantage Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) opportunities and interacting with sailors from the Indonesian Navy in the world-class tourist resort.

During the port visit, 330 officers and crew, to include Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) 51, took advantage of MWR contracted tours that offered various activities and sightseeing opportunities around the island.

Popular tours and activities included scuba diving, full day island tours, white-water rafting, and deep-sea fishing.

"The tours were great," said Damage Controlman 3rd Class Brian Barker, from San Diego. "I was able to go white-water rafting for the second time, but this was definitely better than when I went in the States."

Approximately 300 Indonesians, including many personnel from the Indonesian Navy, welcomed Sailors during a sports day event that allowed Lassen Sailors a chance to get to know their counterparts better. Events included soccer and volleyball, as well as various games and contests such as potato sack races and tug-of-war. Balinese dancers also treated the Sailors to a traditional dance to live traditional Balinese music.

"I am proud that we had a chance to experience such a heart warming welcome from their country's service members," said Chief Cryptologic Technician (Collection) Dan Leonard from Rocky Mountain, N.C.

"The sailors from the Indonesian Navy treated us really well," said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 1st Class (SW) Blake Berry, from Granberry, Texas. "The whole event was great; we were able to get to know our counterparts better and had fun doing it."

Lassen was the first U.S. Navy ship to visit Bali since 2002.

"Lassen's crew members greatly enjoyed their visit to Bali," said Cmdr. Anthony Simmons, Lassen's commanding officer. "I'm hopeful that U.S. Navy ships will continue to stop here to enjoy the wonderful activities, beautiful scenery, and warm hospitality that the Balinese people showed us during our stay."

Lassen is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and is currently conducting routine operations in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility. Operating in the western Pacific and the Indian Ocean, the U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets covering 48 million square miles, with approximately 60-70 ships, 200-300 aircraft, and 40,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any time.

For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c7f/.