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Warship on the island for the second time
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Posted on Apr 29 2005
An Aegis-guided missile destroyer is on the island for a five-day courtesy and recreation visit.
USS John S. McCain DDG 56, a third commissioned warship named in honor of Adm. John S. McCain Sr. and John S. McCain Jr., docked on Saipan last Wednesday morning, bringing with it more than 300 crewmembers from its homeport in Yokusuka, Japan.
Lt. Gov. Diego Benavente and other officials held a welcome luncheon for the crew yesterday at the Aqua Resort Club. Rep. Ray Tebuteb presented a plaque of appreciation for the ship’s second visit to the island. Commander William T. Wagner received the plaque. He also presented a plaque with the warship’s official seal to the congressman.
Wagner said this is his first time to Saipan but not for some of his crewmen. He said he is excited about Saipan because most of his crewmembers wrote down Saipan on their destination wish list.
He said he is very pleased with the warm welcome of the people. “I love it here. I am really enjoying our stay here,” he said in an interview with Saipan Tribune. “I’m having a great time and the crew is having a great time, too.”
The crew is set to sail back to Yokusuka, Japan, on Sunday morning.
Saipan Shipping general manager Alex Sablan, Saipan Chamber of Commerce director Christine Parke, Department of the Interior’s Jeff Schorr, Coca Cola marketing director Kathryn Barry, Military and Veterans Affairs Office executive director Ruth Coleman, and other government officials attended yesterday’s event.
