3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade, Essex Amphibious Ready Group experience land ‘down under’
BRISBANE, Australia (June 6, 2007) -- The streets were full of bustle after more than 4,000 Marines and Sailors from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade embarked on three ships of the Essex Amphibious Ready Group arrived at the port here, June 6, for a little rest and relaxation.
http://www.usmc.mil/marinelink/mcn2000.nsf/main5/B35696A3C0B483B0852572F90056FFCA?opendocument
June 6, 2007; Submitted on: 06/13/2007 11:50:15 AM ; Story ID#: 2007613115015
By Cpl. Kamran Sadaghiani , 31st MEU
The visit was a precursor to participating in Exercise Talisman Saber 2007, an exercise for U.S. and Australian forces to conduct combined/joint operations and increase interoperability.
During liberty, service members took advantage of the city’s best dining, shopping and tourist activities while others spent their off time volunteering for several community outreach projects.
“The best part of the visit was the friendliness of the Brisbane community,” explained Col. John Mayer, the MEU commanding officer. “Whether it was downtown, shopping in restaurants, out at the zoo or out in the countryside, everybody welcomed us with open arms. They were very friendly and they took our Marines and Sailors in and treated them like family.”
Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, has often been regarded as Australia’s most livable city, according to travel Web sites across the Internet. Its subtropical climate makes Brisbane the perfect venue for a wide range of outdoor activities for Marines and Sailors. The city’s reputation seemed to leave its mark on some service members.
“Brisbane is such a beautiful city and there is so much to do,” said Gunnery Sgt. Stephan Williams, the administrative chief of the MEU. “The night life was great, the people are very hospitable and the scenery is gorgeous.”
The Morale, Welfare and Recreation representatives of the Essex ARG arranged a variety of planned events for those in search of Australia’s best adventures. The service members went on local tours to theme parks, horse riding excursions, spirits tasting venues, scuba diving and fishing packages. The city itself offered other popular attractions such as art galleries, theaters, casinos, shopping malls and restored historical buildings.
While there were plenty of leisurely activities for the Marines and Sailors to take part in, some service members dedicated their liberty hours to helping the local community. The projects included providing horticultural support for the Australia Zoo, spending time with the elderly at the Sinnamon Village retirement home and interacting with children at the Brisbane Grammar School, one of the city’s oldest schools, explained Cathy McMahon, the school’s registrar.
The Marines and Sailors, who volunteered to spend a day with the school’s students, learned about Australian culture and answered questions regarding their military experiences.
“This is a great opportunity for us to interact with the local community and we thank you,” said Navy Cmdr. Alfonso J. Concha, the MEU chaplain.
The school’s staff planned a list of activities, which included a game of basketball between the Marines and Sailors and the varsity basketball team; the school team being the victor.
“The most memorable moment today was when the kids started rooting for us when we were losing,” said Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Jimmy Henson, a religious program specialist with the MEU, and a native of Amarillo, Texas.
At the end of the day, Staff Sgt. Richard S. Lopez, a native of Garden Grove, Calif., said “the students were so hospitable, generous and not shy to ask questions. It was a good opportunity and I was glad to help and be a part of today’s events.”
Although the Marines and Sailors have enjoyed their time in the city, many were anxiously waiting to return once again.
“The visit was short but sweet,” said Williams. “I definitely want to come back again some time.”
The Essex ARG, consisting of the USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Tortuga (LSD 46) and USS Juneau (LPD 10), embarked with Marines of the 3d MEB, was in Brisbane prior to what will be the start of the at-sea component of Talisman Saber. The exercise, involving more than 32,000 military members from both nations, is designed to improve interoperability and enhance the military alliance between the U.S. and Australian nations.