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Thousands Visit Shoup During Rose Festival

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090608-10
Release Date: 6/8/2009 10:09:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (AW) Charles Whetstine, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Det. Northwest

PORTLAND, Ore. (NNS) -- Thousands of Portland residents had an opportunity to tour the guided-missile destroyer, USS Shoup (DDG 86), along with three Royal Canadian Navy ships and two U.S. Coast Guard cutters that were moored in downtown Portland, Ore., as part 2009 Rose Festival festivities June 4-8.

Ship visits demonstrate the capability, importance and value of today's United States Navy and are a highlight of the annual festival in Portland.

"Portland is a very unique and distinct city," said Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW) Kevin Buckley. "The people here rarely see Navy, let alone any military; the ship tours are a perfect outlet for them."

"Ship tours are a great opportunity to educate the public about what we do in the military and gives them a realistic idea of what military life is like on a ship," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class Stephanie Anderson. "It also gives us a chance to meet the locals and interact with the community."

Spectators waited anxiously in lines nearly a half-mile long from the Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland where the ships were moored.

"I drove all the way from Vancouver, Wash., just to see the ship," said Paul Bardzik. "I am a Navy veteran, and I am proud of the military. Whenever Rose Festival happens, my family and I always come out and support the troops."

Visitors were organized into groups of 20 and were assigned a tour guide representing the different ships. Each group was able to see shipboard lifestyle firsthand as well as interact with the Sailors who serve aboard them.

"It's an honor for the Shoup and our Sailors to be here and represent the Navy," said Shoup's Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Michael J. Lehman. "It's important to keep the tradition of Navy presence during Rose Festival, and I am extremely grateful and proud that the Shoup was chosen to be that ambassador for the city of Portland."

The public ship tours are just one of the many events hosted by the Navy as part the festivities, along with receptions, barbecues, sporting tournaments, carnivals, concerts and a grand floral parade showcasing the Navy.

Military warships have been coming to the City of Roses since USS Charleston's visit in 1907.

For more news from Commander, Navy Region Northwest, visit www.navy.mil/local/cnrnw/.