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Essex Welcomes Australian Public

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090707-01
Release Date: 7/7/2009 9:55:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Gabriel S. Weber

CAIRNS, Australia (NNS) -- Thousands of visitors toured the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) during a four-day port visit to the Australian city of Cairns July 2-5.

More than 6,200 Australian citizens and tourists passed through the ship's well deck, hangar bay and flight deck on guided tours that highlighted Essex' operational capabilities.

"Providing ship tours while we are in other countries is an important part of every port we visit," said Capt. Brent Canady, Essex' commanding officer. "As we prepare for Exercise Talisman Saber with our Australian allies, it is important for the local communities to witness firsthand what we're capable of providing as well as gain a better understanding of what Essex brings to the Australian/American partnership."

Visitors also had the opportunity to get up-close to some of the vehicles and aircraft employed by the Sailors and Marines aboard Essex.

"We thought the hovercraft in the well deck were very interesting," said visitor Nahani Watson, in reference to the ship's embarked landing craft, air cushion vehicles. "I've never even heard of them, so seeing them in person was a completely new and unique experience."

"It was excellent," added John Bishop. "Looking at all of the helicopters and jets on the top deck was very interesting. We really enjoyed the tour."

Throughout the tours, visitors interacted with Sailors and Marines aboard Essex, fostering cultural exchange and promoting U.S.-Australian friendships.

"The crew was awesome and very generous with their time," said Bishop. "We're very glad that they were all able to come down from Japan, and we hope they enjoyed their time in Cairns."

"We've enjoyed a great relationship with the people of Australia for many years," added Canady. "Having them come aboard the ship as our guests and interact with our Sailors and Marines is one more way for us all to enjoy that friendship and build on it for the future."

Essex is participating in exercise Talisman Saber 2009, a biennial, joint combined exercise sponsored by U.S. Pacific Command and the Australian Defense Force that focuses on the planning and execution of contingency response operations.

Essex is commanded by Capt. Brent Canady and is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. amphibious ready group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

For more news from USS Essex (LHD 2), visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd2/.