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USS Lassen visits Saipan
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Posted on May 10 2006
The U.S. Navy guided missile destroyer USS Lassen arrived on Saipan Tuesday for a four-day rest and recreation and community relations activity.
The over 300 crewmembers of the Arleigh Burke class destroyer didn’t waste any time as they immediately participated in island events.
Yesterday Commanding Officer Kerry Gilpin and his crew took part in the recognition ceremony for 12 returning World War II veterans.
Gilpin and 10 of his crewmembers then joined hands later in the day with the Saipan Mayor’s Office in clearing up the yard and premises of the Gualo Rai Children’s Park and Youth Center in Gualo Rai.
Saipan Mayor Juan B. Tudela, accompanied by Saipan Municipal Council members Marian Deleon Guerrero Tudela, Antonia Manibusan Tudela and Angel S. Hocog, led the barbecue lunch with the servicemen at noon.
Gilpin gave a plaque of appreciation to Tudela thanking him for the cooperation, while the mayor returned the favor by also giving a plaque for the visiting servicemen.
Gilpin said he was very proud of the 10 servicemen who volunteered their time to help out in the community relations activity.
The commander said he and his group are impressed with the island.
“Saipan is very beautiful. We hope to come back again here,” he said.
USS Lassen is one of the largest and most powerful destroyers ever built. She came from Okinawa before steaming to Saipan.
Gilpin also said in spite of the short notice, at least 10 of his crewmen have also signed up for the “Invite-A-Sailor” program recently launched by the Saipan Chamber of Commerce and the Armed Forces Committee chaired by Associate Judge David A. Wiseman.
The program seeks to provide an opportunity for local families to meet and entertain members of the U.S. military who are currently visiting the CNMI.
