Sailors Tour Everglades Holiday Park

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jennifer Hunt, USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs

April 29, 2010 - PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) enjoyed the many scenic parts of Fort Lauderdale April 27 while riding air boats at Everglades Holiday Park for Fleet Week 2010.

"The boats were like mini versions of the LCACs (Landing Craft Air Cushions) we have on board," said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 3rd Class Kara Nelson, Iwo Jima crew member. "It was nice to relax on them and it felt really refreshing."

The tour commenced with Sailors perusing through the park's gift shop, where there was an array of unusual selections from alligator jerky to actual taxidermy alligator carcasses. Once the crew boarded the air boat, Capt. Gerald Motes gave a brief description of the Everglades and sailed them around the park.

"I was born and raised in South Florida," said Motes. "I've been in and around the Everglades my whole life. I live out here, I work out here, and I drive an airboat to and from work everday. It makes me happy."

Motes also stopped along the tour path to demonstrate medicinal benefits of the saw grass abundantly spread around the Everglades. While pulling apart the plant, he explained that while the leaves could cut you, they could also heal your wounds if used as a bandage. Motes' vast knowledge of the area added to the magic of the tour for its participants.

"Cruising through the Everglades was quite an experience," said Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Jonathan Mallory, Iwo Jima crew member. "I got to get out in the sun, see some gators, and learn a lot about the local area."

"The experience is really a once in a lifetime for a lot of people," said Motes. "They really get to see another side of life. The concrete jungle is not all there is out there."

After the boat tour, guides led Sailors to a wildlife exhibit which displayed a number of South Florida's natural inhabitants. The crew interacted with a few of the reptiles, and even observed one of the nation's most endangered species: the Florida panther.

Everglades Holiday Park was contributed to Broward County, Fla., by a local farmer. The park is used for public recreation, but is best known for its air boat tours.

This is the 20th Fleet Week Port Everglades, South Florida's annual celebration of the maritime services. More than 2,500 American and German Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen will participate in a number of community outreach activities and enjoy the hospitality and tourism of South Florida.