USS Fitzgerald to Experience Life Down Under

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Dionne, USS Fitzgerald Public Affairs

BRISBANE, Australia (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile-destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) arrived in Brisbane for a port visit, June 25.

The port visit will provide Fitzgerald Sailors time to unwind and the opportunity to explore Australia and its culture.

"This presents a unique opportunity for the crew to enjoy some liberty after a very busy year," said Master Chief Brice Baldwin, command master chief of Fitzgerald. "The crew will be able to experience the local culture, history and animal life that has made Brisbane such an important part of Australia."

Fitzgerald's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) committee organized several tours in order to help make the crews' Australia experience as rewarding as possible.

"The tours provide Sailors with a great way to get off the ship and see what Brisbane has to offer," said Chief Interior Communications Electrician Mauricio Donalds. "Some of the opportunities include the Australia zoo, a local amusement park 'Brisbane Dreamworld' and the rainforest and ecosystem, were Sailors will get the chance to interact with wildlife."

Many Fitzgerald Sailors have expressed enthusiasm about the rare opportunity to explore Australia.

"I'm really looking forward to Australia, it's going to be so much fun," said Quartermaster 3rd Class Christiana Casillas. "I never imagined that I would ever have the experience to go to Australia and it will be good to get off the ship and do some sightseeing."

Fitzgerald is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.