Kearsarge Departs from Navy Week

NEW ORLEANS, LA, UNITED STATES

04.25.2018

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Dana Legg 

USS Kearsarge (LHD 3)

During their week in port, the crew interacted with citizens and visitors of New Orleans by providing tours of the ship to the public and participating in over two dozen events, including nine community service projects and a reception hosted aboard Kearsarge.

“Our ship's participation in Navy Week New Orleans was fantastic,” said Master Chief Information Systems Technician Margaret Buckingham, Kearsarge’s senior enlisted leader. “The crew enjoyed showing our mighty warship off to the community as well as engaging with the community while on liberty.”

In total, Kearsarge hosted more than 22,000 visitors to the ship, and provided 600 Sailors and Marines for community service, which included revitalization, cleanup and preservation projects.

While many of the crew were visiting the area for the first time, some had the opportunity to be a little closer to home.

“Most Sailors I have spoken to had never been to Louisiana and weren’t quite sure what to expect,” said Louisiana native Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Bradley Proctor. “I was proud to see so many Sailors enthralled by the art and culture of the state and really coming to an understanding of the distinct history of my home.”

Buckingham mirrored Proctor’s sentiments.

“The hospitality shown in New Orleans was nothing short of amazing,” Buckingham said. “I hope the city enjoyed us being there as much as we did.”

Navy Week New Orleans provided an opportunity for the citizens of New Orleans and visitors to meet nearly 2,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see, firsthand, the latest capabilities of today’s sea services.

For more news from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), visit http://www.navy.mil/local/lhd3/ and “Like” www.facebook.com/LHD3.

• Date Taken: 04.25.2018
• Date Posted: 05.16.2018 08:22
• Story ID: 274505
• Location: NEW ORLEANS, LA, US