HMCS Athabaskan joins U.S. warships in New Orleans visit
Apr 23, 2015
David Pugliese
Ottawa Citizen
The amphibious assault ship USS Wasp (LHD 1) and several other U.S. and allied ships, including HMCS Athabaskan arrived in New Orleans April 23 to begin a Fleet Week, the U.S. Navy stated. The week is scheduled to last through April 29, writes USN public affairs staff member Petty Officer 2nd Class Shannon Smith.
More details from Smith’s article:
Expeditionary Strike Group Two is leading the six ships representing the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, Royal Navy, and Royal Canadian Navy throughout the visit. The weeklong celebration is an opportunity for the citizens of New Orleans and the surrounding area to meet Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen and witness first-hand the latest capabilities of today’s sea services.
Joining the festivities alongside Wasp are the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Cole (DDG 67) and USS James E. Williams (DDG 95), the Duke-class British frigate HMS Lancaster, Coast Guard Reliance-class cutter USCG Dauntless, and Canadian Iroquois-class destroyer HMCS Athabaskan. The Marines of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit are aboard Wasp representing the full spectrum of sea power.
In addition to offering the community a chance to interact with Navy ships and Sailors, the event also gives visiting Sailors the opportunity to experience the culture and heritage of New Orleans and the surrounding area.
Military members will have the opportunity to participate in several community relation projects, sporting events, concerts, golfing events, and morale, welfare, and recreation tours.
While in New Orleans, the ships also serve as ambassadors for their respective navies by offering ship tours to the public. Guided tours aboard each ship will take place daily to showcase American and allied sea power capabilities.
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