USS Chosin arrives Sydney for International Fleet Review

Photo By Lt. Peter Walz | U.S. Navy sailors assigned to USS Chosin (CG 65) prepare the anchor detail as they pull into Sydney harbor to join 40 other military ships and 17 historic tall ships as part of the International Fleet Review - the 100th anniversary celebration of the Royal Australian Navy into Sydney. Military forces from nearly 20 nations are participating in the events which will include public ship tours, fleet parade, and fireworks light show. Chosin is currently operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting exercises, port visits, and operations to enhance maritime partnerships and promote peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Public Affairs Officer Peter Walz)  

SYDNEY, ACT, AUSTRALIA

10.04.2013

Story by Ensign Peter Walz 

USS Chosin

SYDNEY – U.S. Navy sailors assigned to USS Chosin (CG65) and international sailors and ships from nearly 20 nations made their way into Sydney harbor Oct. 4 to participate in the International Fleet Review.

The city and Royal Australian Navy have invited the multi-national naval forces to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the entry of the Royal Australian Navy’s Fleet into Sydney.

USS Chosin crew manned the rails in their service dress uniforms as they entered the harbor and onlookers in small boats welcomed them with friendly waves.

“This is a unique opportunity for me. I have never done a fleet week, so I feel privileged to be part this. It’s awesome!” said Ship's Serviceman Petty Officer 1st Class (SW/AW) Lavida Boone of USS Chosin.

The Australian hosts have prepared a multitude of activities for the event to include public ship tours, fleet parade, and pyrotechnic light show to name a few.

USS Chosin is preparing the ship for public tours and hanging decorative lighting for a coordinated illumination display that will light up more than 40 ships in the harbor.

The weather is beautiful and crew members are looking forward to going ashore. Petty Officer 1st Class Lavida Boone was here 10 years ago on a personal vacation.

“I am looking forward to climbing the harbor bridge again. You climb to the top in a harness and get to see the best views of the city,” Boone said.

The crew of USS Chosin and the multi-national forces have been busy prior to the arrival in Sydney in a joint military training exercise off the coast of Jervis Bay to enhance warfare skills and share professional maritime views.

Chosin and the other participating multi-national navies will return to the second part of the military exercises after the finale of the International Fleet Review on Oct. 11 and continue training until Oct. 18.

“The aim of the exercise is to promote training and information sharing among participating countries and build a common understanding of procedures pertaining to Maritime Security matters," said Lt. Cmdr. Brandon Booher, operations officer of USS Chosin.

Chosin is currently operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility conducting exercises, port visits and operations to enhance maritime partnerships and promote peace and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 10.04.2013
• Date Posted: 11.21.2013 18:45
• Story ID: 117186
• Location: SYDNEY, ACT, AU