Chamber reception welcomes Columbia officials and crew

  Officials and crew members of USS Columbia, a Los Angeles-class submarine, were officially welcomed to the Commonwealth by the Saipan Chamber of Commerce Saturday night at the 360 Revolving Restaurant in Susupe.

Chamber officials led by president Douglas Brennan and executive director Richard Pierce presented plaques of appreciation to commanding officer Dennis Klein and executive officer Mel Naidas.

Klein said the schedule of USS Columbia, which arrived on island Thursday morning, allowed them to visit Saipan-a destination that was “absolutely” recommended by other naval ships.

“It’s been predetermined that we’re going to come in based on the availability of all the other ships so we’re fortunate enough to come here and we’re very happy about being here,” Klein said.

According to Klein, the island has “a great reputation” of supporting the U.S. Navy and the rest of its armed forces.

“It’s that kind of support that goes a long way for both our crew and for the United States forces in general,” he added.

Klein said most of the 150 crew members of USS Columbia are first timers, including himself, and are “all having a good time.”

“It’s excellent. It is my first time here and we have had a great time. The hospitality and the warmth of the people [are] clearly evident and I greatly appreciate that,” he said. “I look forward to my next visit. I think it’s a great place for the crew and a great place to relax and enjoy themselves.”

Some of the officials and crew members of USS Columbia spent some time at the Coral Ocean Point golf range where they were able to avail of the $30 local rate, said Chamber executive director Pierce.

According to Pierce, it was COP’s Lucio Aldan who gave them the local rate. Other golf courses on island offer $60 rates for visiting military personnel upon presenting their military ID.

“But the Chamber thinks that it should be a local rate for the military.I don’t think they should be treated any differently from me or you or somebody else that lives here,” he said.

Pierce said the Chamber has hosted about six military ships, including USS Columbia, this year, adding that they encourage businesses on island to accommodate these visitors in their establishments.

“This is the first time for USS Columbia and hopefully they’ll repeat,” he added.

Pierce urged the community to “welcome” visiting military personnel and “make them feel at home” during their stay on Saipan through small acts such as helping them get to their destination when they see them walking in the streets.

“We usher them around, we try to take care of them, and make them feel welcome and make them come back.We want to make Saipan their best destination for morale, welfare, and recreation,” he added.