Forrest Sherman Wraps up Successful Fleet Week Port Visit
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS090508-07
Release Date: 5/8/2009 8:26:00 AM
By Ensign Adam R. Cole, USS Forrest Sherman Public Affairs
PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. - (NNS) -- USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98) pulled away from Port Everglades May 2, concluding what was a week of community outreach and relationship building as part of Fleet Week Port Everglades 2009.
Forrest Sherman was joined by submarine USS Toledo (SSN 769), USS Ashland (LSD 48), Coast Guard Cutter Tahoma, and Canadian Replenishment Ship Preserver.
While in the South Florida area, the Sailors of Forrest Sherman and their counterpart service members enjoyed receptions and morale and welfare activities—like deep sea fishing—courtesy of groups and businesses of South Florida.
To reciprocate the overwhelming show of appreciation, the naval vessels attending Fleet Week participated in a number of community service projects and hosted hundreds of community members aboard for tours. Forrest Sherman participated in visits to both a local elementary and a children's hospital and helped build a garden area at a mentally disabled support center.
"This was a phenomenal week. We are extremely grateful to the people of South Florida for hosting us," said Cmdr. Wyatt N. Chidester, Forrest Sherman commanding officer. "I couldn't be happier with the way the crew responded in displaying the pride and professionalism that defines this ship and our Navy. I strongly feel that we have built relationships that will last a long time to come."
For many Forrest Sherman Sailors, this was their first time to the South Florida area and first time at a Fleet Week.
Many not only enjoyed the sights and the planned events, but most simply connecting with members of the community, particular those that had served as well.
"I enjoyed giving tours of the ship: seeing people really connect with the ship and be appreciative to the opportunity to be there," said Information Systems Technician Seaman Recruit Tovirus R. Fleming, who participated in a landscaping project at a center for the mentally disabled. Fleming also attended a party hosted by the American Legion, which provided a good opportunity to hear sea stories of the past. "Overall, it was good just hearing 'thanks' from so many people and feel camaraderie of former Sailors and community members."
Other Sailors mentioned the hosting people for ship tours as one of the highlights.
"It was neat to see the kids get excited; it put me back in touch with how I was at that age," said Quartermaster Seaman Apprentice Teresa A. Dozier, assigned to Forrest Sherman. "I got to meet a lot of former military personnel as well, one who had earned a Purple Heart. When you see that, it hits home on what it means to fight for freedom."
Forrest Sherman excelled in a number of different activities held throughout the week. Its basketball and softball team both came in first place while its culinary specialists also claimed victory in the "Galley Wars Iron Chef" competition.
Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW) Scott A. Webb led the Forrest Sherman team to culinary victory, along with Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Kannon R. Moore and Culinary Specialist Seaman Tommy O. Green. Dishes like parmesan encrusted scallops, spicy double breaded chicken nugget and a triple creamy stuffed mushroom were some of the entrees that allowed the team to take the crown.
Webb said that the victory wasn't important but just being part of the fun. Like others, he said the "thank yous" meant a lot.
"Just the amount of appreciation…it felt unreal. It's nice to know that people really do care that we serve our country," said Webb.
Forrest Sherman is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer based in Norfolk, Va.
For more news from Commander Navy Region Southeast, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrse.
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