USS Reuben James Arrives in Dili, East Timor

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100221-01
Release Date: 2/21/2010 10:25:00 PM

By Ensign Ben Dalton, USS Reuben James Public Affairs

DILI, Timor-Leste (NNS) -- The United States Navy frigate USS Reuben James (FFG 57) anchored off the coast of Dili Feb. 21 at approximately 9 a.m. local time.

Reuben James' Commanding Officer Cmdr. David Miller, and the entire crew are looking forward to meeting the people of Dili, exploring the scenery, and experiencing the vast culture that East Timor has to offer.

During the visit, the crew has several community relations projects planned. Among them are two visits to local orphanages and a construction project with a Navy construction battalion. The Sailors will be handing out toys at the two orphanages as part of Project Handclasp.

Reuben James crew will be hosting distinguished visitors aboard the ship Feb. 21, with the intent of building of foreign relations between the United States and East Timor. Several Sailors will also be meeting with Timorese navy personnel later in the week.

The ship carries a crew of approximately 200 Sailors, and includes a helicopter detachment with two SH-60 Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) Mk III helicopters. The visit in Dili is an important part of Reuben James' Western Pacific deployment.

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