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thedrifter
08-03-07, 07:10 AM
Stennis Sailors, Marines Wrap Up Hong Kong Visit

Kitsap Sun staff
Thursday, August 2, 2007

Sailors and Marines from the USS John C. Stennis returned to sea Wednesday after a five-day port visit in Hong Kong.

The strike group's 6,000 crew members toured the area and participated in community projects.

A contingent of 2,629 of the crew enjoyed trips to such destinations as Disneyland Hong Kong and Lantau Island Monastery. Another 250 took part in 13 volunteer opportunities, ranging from playing with elementary children to cleaning beaches.

"I think this was a great port visit, if not the best," said Senior Chief Petty Officer Matthew Kendall, a leader of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation department. "Sailors had the opportunity to enjoy themselves with tons to do and some great places to see."

The port visit was the fifth of the Bremerton-based aircraft carrier's deployment, which began on Jan. 16. It came on the heels of a stop in Singapore from July 18 to 23. The ship also visited three undisclosed ports in the Middle East, where it supported ground troops in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Beginning Tuesday, the Stennis will participate in exercise Valiant Shield with two other carriers, the USS Nimitz and the USS Kitty Hawk, off Guam.

Ellie