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Welcome reception for USS Milius held
A welcome reception was held Friday for the crewmembers of the USS Milius at Kanoa Resort’s Club C in Susupe.
A welcome reception was held for the crew members of the USS Milius by the Saipan Chamber of Commerce at Kanoa Resort’s Club C last Friday. Superior Court Associate Judge David A. Wiseman spoke to formally welcome the Navy and presented them a plaque. (Frauleine S. Villanueva)
The Saipan Chamber of Commerce welcomed the crew when they arrived Thursday and hosted the reception as well.
About 300 sailors are aboard the guided missile destroyer.
SCC executive director Jill Arenovski and some members of Legislature, including House vice speaker Rep. Rafael S. Demapan (R-Saipan) and Rep. Joseph Lee Pan Guerrero (R-Saipan) were present at the Club C reception.
Superior Court Associate Judge David A. Wiseman, who chairs the Chamber’s military affairs committee, presented the Navy with a welcoming plaque as well souvenirs from the Chamber. The Navy previously presented gifts to the Chamber as well.
On behalf of its crew, USS Milius’ captain, Commander Michael Rak, accepted the plaque.
“We have definitely felt very welcome,” Rak said. “This is already—even though it’s only been 24 hours—by far the best port visit that we have had.”
The crew spent almost 200 days in the Arabian Gulf and went through Singapore before coming to Saipan.
Choosing Saipan
According to Rak, they actually chose to come to Saipan after he experienced the island’s hospitality during his previous deployment.
“We’re very happy to be here, the crew is very happy to be here. Thank you for the hospitality,” Rak said.
“It’s tropical, everyone’s been so nice, it’s fantastic,” operations officer Lt. Jessica Poniatoski said. “It’s nice to be almost home.”
Several activities were prepared for the crew such as sports events and visits to various tourist sites and historic landmarks.
“We talk a lot on our ship about U.S. Navy heritage and to actually get to see some up close, some local sites where historical events happened is really something,” Rak said. “Nowhere else have we had this kind of welcome.”
