thedrifter
05-11-08, 07:06 AM
Curious crew flows into Tassie
MICHAEL STEDMAN
May 11, 2008 09:00am
HOBART'S population swelled yesterday as the crew of USS Tarawa took to the streets in what is expected to be a bumper three days for retailers and tourism operators.
The 250m-long amphibious assault ship sailed proudly up the Derwent about 8am yesterday as the city turned on a perfect autumn morning.
The crew lined the decks with cameras pointed at city landmarks including Mt Wellington and the expansive harbour.
Sergeant Jacob Asbach, one of 3000 sailors and marines on board, had signed up for a mountain bike tour to get a closer look at Tasmania's famous scenery.
"After being stuck down below for a couple of days it will be nice to see the town that way," Sgt Asbach said.
But he seemed unsure of the local wildlife.
"If you go into the woods, are you likely to see a Tasmanian devil? Will they bite you?"
The ship will be in Hobart until Tuesday, the visit expected to inject at least $6million into the local economy.
Premier Paul Lennon officially welcomed the ship and hoped it signalled a resumption of regular naval visits.
"On behalf of the people of Tasmania I would like to extend a warm welcome to the crew of the USS Tarawa," he said.
"Our island state has much to offer, from cosmopolitan cafes to historic villages, mountain peaks to white sandy beaches and all in close proximity."
"The last US warship to visit the state was the aircraft carrier John C Stennis in 2002.
Commanding officer Amphibious Squadron One captain John Miley said the crew was thrilled to be in Tasmania.
"There is definitely a genuine interest. You can see that on the flight deck. There is a buzz -- they are excited about being here," Capt Miley said.
As the massive ship sidled up to Macquarie Wharf with an entourage of pleasure craft, the belly of the beast was a hive of activity.
Sailors and marines had a quick shave and replaced their uniforms with civilian clothes, ready to hit the town.
Once in the city their presence was easy to spot -- rugged up against the cold in hoodies and baggy jeans, some made a bee-line for the local pub while others used the pay phone to call home.
The ship's private television station reminded sailors to maintain their decorum on land.
It also provided information on the local nightlife including advice to "dress for success" at The Observatory and avoid a long list of clubs because of "known criminal activity".
Marine Corps commander Colonel John Bullard said a stay in Perth earlier this month had taken the edge off a long tour of duty.
"We are on our way home and no one wants to screw that up -- we are optimistic they will all be well behaved," Col. Bullard said.
The Tarawa has been on an extended seven-month deployment that included providing humanitarian relief to Bangladesh after Cyclone Sadir.
The ship has also been stationed in the Persian Gulf on non-operational support duties and recently conducted training and provided medical assistance in Djibouti, Africa.
After its Hobart visit the ship is believed to be returning to its home port of San Diego, California on possibly its last ever voyage. The ship was launched during the Vietnam War in 1973 and has since been superseded by Wasp-class amphibious assault ships.
Ellie
MICHAEL STEDMAN
May 11, 2008 09:00am
HOBART'S population swelled yesterday as the crew of USS Tarawa took to the streets in what is expected to be a bumper three days for retailers and tourism operators.
The 250m-long amphibious assault ship sailed proudly up the Derwent about 8am yesterday as the city turned on a perfect autumn morning.
The crew lined the decks with cameras pointed at city landmarks including Mt Wellington and the expansive harbour.
Sergeant Jacob Asbach, one of 3000 sailors and marines on board, had signed up for a mountain bike tour to get a closer look at Tasmania's famous scenery.
"After being stuck down below for a couple of days it will be nice to see the town that way," Sgt Asbach said.
But he seemed unsure of the local wildlife.
"If you go into the woods, are you likely to see a Tasmanian devil? Will they bite you?"
The ship will be in Hobart until Tuesday, the visit expected to inject at least $6million into the local economy.
Premier Paul Lennon officially welcomed the ship and hoped it signalled a resumption of regular naval visits.
"On behalf of the people of Tasmania I would like to extend a warm welcome to the crew of the USS Tarawa," he said.
"Our island state has much to offer, from cosmopolitan cafes to historic villages, mountain peaks to white sandy beaches and all in close proximity."
"The last US warship to visit the state was the aircraft carrier John C Stennis in 2002.
Commanding officer Amphibious Squadron One captain John Miley said the crew was thrilled to be in Tasmania.
"There is definitely a genuine interest. You can see that on the flight deck. There is a buzz -- they are excited about being here," Capt Miley said.
As the massive ship sidled up to Macquarie Wharf with an entourage of pleasure craft, the belly of the beast was a hive of activity.
Sailors and marines had a quick shave and replaced their uniforms with civilian clothes, ready to hit the town.
Once in the city their presence was easy to spot -- rugged up against the cold in hoodies and baggy jeans, some made a bee-line for the local pub while others used the pay phone to call home.
The ship's private television station reminded sailors to maintain their decorum on land.
It also provided information on the local nightlife including advice to "dress for success" at The Observatory and avoid a long list of clubs because of "known criminal activity".
Marine Corps commander Colonel John Bullard said a stay in Perth earlier this month had taken the edge off a long tour of duty.
"We are on our way home and no one wants to screw that up -- we are optimistic they will all be well behaved," Col. Bullard said.
The Tarawa has been on an extended seven-month deployment that included providing humanitarian relief to Bangladesh after Cyclone Sadir.
The ship has also been stationed in the Persian Gulf on non-operational support duties and recently conducted training and provided medical assistance in Djibouti, Africa.
After its Hobart visit the ship is believed to be returning to its home port of San Diego, California on possibly its last ever voyage. The ship was launched during the Vietnam War in 1973 and has since been superseded by Wasp-class amphibious assault ships.
Ellie