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Essex Comes up from Port Visit Down Under to Continue Maritime Security Ops

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090803-03
Release Date: 8/3/2009 11:52:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson

BRISBANE, Australia (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) departed Brisbane, Australia, after a scheduled four-day port visit Aug. 1.

During the visit, Sailors and Marines participated in two community projects and more than 20 tours offered by Essex' Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Department.

"I greatly appreciate the hospitality of the people of Brisbane," said Capt. Brent Canady, Essex' commanding officer. "Our Sailors and Marines received a warm welcome, and that is always a great start for any port visit. I'm sure that we all will remember this for years to come."

Essex Sailors participated in community projects at the Brisbane Grammar Middle School, where they assisted in organizing a sports carnival and at the Karingal Campsite, where they worked with Australian Boy Scouts to clean the 400-acre retreat.

"It was a good experience to come out here to the school and participate," said Lt. Jason Rochester, Essex' chaplain. "It was a wonderful opportunity for us to come here and meet the kids. Hopefully, we will have the opportunity to do this again in the future."

Many Essex Sailors shared Rochester's enthusiasm for the projects.

"This was one of the best projects I've ever been on," said Aerographer's Mate 1st Class (AW/SW) Darrell Ferguson. "The weather was nice; the people were amazingly friendly, and the sporting events were fun."

Essex Sailors also found time to experience Australia through 23 different MWR tours designed to highlight some of the best recreational opportunities in the area, including local attractions, beaches, rainforests and more.

"We really tried to offer a range of different experiences," said Mick Hultz, Essex' afloat recreation specialist. "Australia is truly a unique place, and hopefully our tours gave Essex Sailors and Marines a chance to take advantage of that."

The port visit was the second opportunity for Essex Sailors to explore Australia on the ship's current deployment.

"This was definitely the coolest port we've hit since I've been on board," said Operations Specialist 3rd Class British Fears. "It's definitely interesting to see some things that you can't see anywhere else."

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.