By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Greg Johnson, USS Essex Public Affairs
SOUTH CHINA SEA (NNS) -- The forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) departed Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, Oct. 30 after completing this year's Amphibious Landing Exercises (PHIBLEX) and Talon Vision (TV).
The three-day port visit was an opportunity for Sailors to experience Filipino culture, backload Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and conduct two community friendship projects.
"I'm extremely grateful for our gracious hosts," said Capt. Brent Canady, commanding officer of Essex. "The crew always enjoys giving something back to the local community during our port visits. Through our coordination with the great citizens of the Philippines and the nongovernment organizations, we were able to do just that by providing a small amount of support for the needs of both the New Cabalan Elementary School and the Social Development Center for Girls."
Nearly 100 Sailors visited the New Cabalan Elementary School and the Social Development Center for Girls in Olongapo City to participate in the projects. Sailors helped paint the school's production stage, handed out backpacks and other school supplies and spent the rest of the day interacting with the children.
"These kind of humanitarian projects are very important for two reasons," said Lt. Jason Rochester, a chaplain aboard Essex. "First, it shows the host nation that we care about them and that we want to help support them. It also gives our Sailors an opportunity to give back and to realize that there are many people out there who are not as fortunate."
Those who volunteered at the social development center painted and constructed new bed frames for the girls.
"I had a great time," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class (SW/AW) James Hubbs. "The kids seemed to have a great time also. It's really good to get out here and do something like this and hopefully let people realize that we're trying to do some good."
The visit also included the backload of more than 1,200 31st MEU Marines and 31 aircraft, including AH-1Z Super Cobra, UH-1N Huey, CH-46E Sea Knight, CH-53 Sea Stallion helicopters and AV-8B Harrier jet aircraft.
In addition, Marines also backloaded 71 pieces of rolling stock, 252 containers of break-bulk and over 100 ship pallets.
"It really takes a lot of work to get everything back on board," said Marine Gunnery Sgt. Jose Alvarez, ESSEX's welldeck combat cargo assistant. "Being able to coordinate the movement of so much equipment is quite an accomplishment for these guys."
The visit also gave Sailors a chance to rest and relax while enjoying the local culture. Essex's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) department offered various tours, including everything from a jungle survival training excursion to a fun-filled day with indigenous sea life at a local water park.
"We really try to design our tours to get our Sailors acquainted with the culture of the various places we visit," said Mick Hultz, Essex's afloat recreation coordinator. "The Philippines has such a unique experience to offer, and it's encouraging to see so many Sailors eager to get out and see the country."
According to Marine Lance Corporal Estle Reed, an MWR tour guide for the Mall of Asia tour, seeing the Subic Bay area was a culturally enriching experience.
"It was a really good time," said Reed. "I got a chance to learn about some of the history and the architecture of the Philippines, and it was absolutely amazing. I would definitely look forward to coming back."
Essex is the only forward-deployed amphibious assault ship and serves Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.