Sailors assigned to forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) and Marines with elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Laem Chabang, Feb. 21, for a port visit.
Tortuga Commanding Officer Cmdr. Adrian D. Ragland talked about how proud he was of all of the Sailors on board.
“My crew has done an absolutely phenomenal job flexing to the high op tempo of the exercise,” he said, referring to the ship’s recent completion of Cobra Gold 2012 with armed forces of the royal Thai navy and Marine Corps.
“After two weeks of continuous amphibious operations, Sailors and Marines have a chance to relax and give back to the local area with community service projects. These projects give United States Sailors and Marines a chance to interact with the local community and lets locals have good interaction with the service members,” said Lt. Adrienne Townsend , Tortuga’s command chaplain. “It also gives Sailors and Marines who participate a chance to expand their focus about the world.”
This port visit has two community relations projects scheduled: One has Sailors and Marines visiting a royal Thai navy and Marine Corps daycare center; and the other, has them visiting an elementary school to interact and play with the children.
“We’re taking some sports equipment to donate to the school, ” said Townsend. “ Sailors and Marines will then be able to play kickball, soccer, and softball with the kids.”
For Sailors who want to see and experience a different country, the ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program has made available trips and tours during the port visit in Thailand – from cultural temples to floating markets.
“It’s always good to be back in Thailand, ” said Ragland. “I’m glad Tortuga Sailors and embarked Marines have this chance to take in the remarkable culture, authentic food and beautiful scenery that this country has to offer.”
But before liberty was called away, Sailors and Marines were reminded from the commanding officer, “Liberty is a mission. We are all United States ambassadors.”
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , February 23, 2012; Image: navy