USS Rafael Peralta makes Saipan port call in time for LibDay festivities

The USS Rafael Peralta, captained by CDR Stephen D. Szachta Jr., has made its second port call on Saipan in the last month specifically to take part in today’s 78th Annual Liberation Day festivities.

According to Szachta, although port visits like these are routine to allow sailors to rest and recoup, the USS Rafael Peralta’s current port visit is specifically in support and to take part in the 78th year commemoration celebration of the CNMI’s Liberation Day.

“We’re excited to be here. We really thank [the CNMI] for welcoming the USS Rafael Peralta back to Saipan. We were here just a few weeks ago and our crew of 330 officers and sailors are really excited to be back to enjoy some rest and relaxation, the food, the culture, and the hotels. But, we’re also very excited to take part in commemorating the 78th anniversary of the CNMI’s Liberation Day,” he said.

Szachta notes that making a stop on Saipan is part of USS Rafael Peralta’s mission to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific

“Our ship operates off of Japan. We routinely parole and sail the waters of the western pacific to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific. We believe that all nations of the world have the right to sail and fly wherever with international laws and currently those rights are being challenged by other nations so part of our job is to sail and patrol and make sure that commerce and flow freely and the nations can sail and fly wherever international law allows,” he said.

USS Rafael Peralta will remain on Saipan throughout the rest of week until Sunday.

Meanwhile, Rear Adm. Brent DeVore adds that he is excited to celebrate the shared history the CNMI shares with America today.

“This port visit is specifically significant because this weekend, it isn’t just the 4th of July which represents America’s independence, but importantly as well to the people of Saipan, it’s their Liberation Day as the last of their people returned from Camp Susupe. This extra layer of shared history in this region brings our people together which, for me, is truly something to celebrate. To me, Saipan is American soil and it’s a crucial part of the defense of the homeland and its very fitting that we’re here this week in time to celebrate 78 years of democracy,” he said.

Also, DeVore thanks to the people of Saipan for their continued partnership which allows them to conduct port visits like these.

“I want to extend my extreme gratitude, on behalf of my command of the Joint Region Marianas, to Gov. Arnold I. Palacios. He has always been warm and welcoming to us every time we’ve been able to have a visit with him. More specifically, to [the people of Saipan] and his entire team for their wonderful hospitality. In terms of military presence, there is continued growth throughout this entire region. We are committed to working alongside all of our allies and partners in defending freedom and most importantly to deter our adversaries. Our goal remains to maintain a free and open Indo-Pacific in the region and its visits and the fine work that’s been done by CDR Szachta and his ship and the crew of the USS Rafael Peralta that enable us to demonstrate our commitment to that and exercising deterrence on a day-to-day basis throughout the region,” he said.