Sailors to pump $6m into Tassie
THE visit of US warship USS Tarawa will pump more than $6 million into the local economy, the US Government says.
The 250m amphibious assault ship will bring 3000 sailors and marines to Hobart tomorrow morning.
http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23669693-3462,00.html
ANGUS HOHENBOKEN
May 09, 2008 12:00am
The 250m amphibious assault ship will bring 3000 sailors and marines to Hobart tomorrow morning.
The Consulate General of the United States in Perth said yesterday visits by US Navy Expeditionary Strike Groups brought $2 million a day to local economies.
The duration of the ship's stay has not yet been confirmed, but crew members and volunteers will be here until at least Monday to attend an appointment at the Royal Hobart Hospital where they will visit patients during International Nurses Day.
Tarawa Commanding Officer Captain Brian Luther said those on board were looking forward to stretching their legs in Hobart.
"Hobart is an exotic city that Tarawa sailors and marines have been looking forward to coming to for months," Capt Luther said.
The 2002 visit of the USS John C Stennis brought about 5500 personnel to the state and generated an estimated $4.1 million in personal spending, with the average spend per day estimated to be $137 per crew member.
Additional shops are expected to open on Sunday.
Australian Retailers Association Tasmania executive director Duncan McDougall urged retailers to take advantage of the Americans' business.
"The opportunity is there," Mr McDougall said.
"I would certainly encourage retailers to take it."
Capt Luther said sailors and marines would remember the Battle of Coral Sea while in Hobart.
The commemoration celebrates the combined American and Australian naval and air engagement that effectively halted the Japanese southern advance towards Australia.
Events will include a wreath-laying ceremony at Hobart War Memorial, the Coral Sea Handicap at Tattersals Park and guided tours of the Tarawa.
Tarawa has arrived directly from the US 5th Fleet area of operations as part of the USS Tarawa Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG).
While on deployment, Tarawa ESG has provided disaster relief and humanitarian assistance to Bangladesh in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Sidr, operated in the Persian Gulf and given support to Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.