Nearly 1,000 Sailors from amphibious assault ship USS WASP (LHD 1) pulled into Mayport, Fla., March 13.
Wasp left her homeport of Norfolk March 2 to conduct routine operations in the waters of the Southern Caribbean, and use the degaussing range in Mayport.
“ With the [degaussing] range in Norfolk under repairs, we needed to make use of the Mayport range to achieve our annual certification,” said Capt. Gary M. Boardman. “While in Mayport, Wasp will conduct some minor maintenance and provide a portion of the crew some well-deserved liberty.”
Wasp Sailors not on duty will take advantage of the numerous offerings of the southeastern naval port including several Morale, Welfare and Recreation-sponsored trips to Disney World and Universal Studios. Many crew members will also take advantage of the in port opportunity to meet up with family and/or friends who call northern Florida home.
“I’m going home to visit my parents who live nearby in Lake City, Florida,” said Fire Controlman (SW) Crystal Ditro, a member of Wasp’s Material, Maintenance Management (3M) division. “ We’re going to relax, build a bonfire and enjoy the time together while I’m down here.”
Wasp will remain in Mayport through March 16 when she will return to sea and head back to her homeport of Norfolk.
With the War of 1812 as the theme, Wasp is slated to participate in several high profile fleet week events in New Orleans, La.; Port Everglades, Fla.; and New York, N.Y. in the coming months. Wasp is using the Mayport visit to rehearse several aspects of this upcoming assignment.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , March 14, 2012;