USS McCampbell and USS John S. McCain Arrive in Hong Kong

By Lt. j.g. Colleen R. Praxmarer, USS McCampbell Public Affairs

May 13, 2010 - HONG KONG (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyers USS McCampbell (DDG 85) and USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) arrived in Hong Kong May 13 for a port visit during their ships spring deployment.

"We are happy to be here in Hong Kong, which is one of the premier port destinations in the Pacific Region," said Cmdr. Jeffrey Kim, commanding officer of USS John S. McCain. "I know that our Sailors have been looking forward to their opportunity to visit Hong Kong."

Many Sailors are hoping to take advantage of Hong Kong's cultural diversity, shopping, and sightseeing.

"Hong Kong is a perennial favorite port visit for our Sailors," added Cmdr. Charles Johnson, USS McCampbell's commanding officer. "It offers a variety of cultural experiences and time for our crew to relax and recharge. Additionally, we're very grateful for the opportunities to give back to the Hong Kong community through community service when they have so graciously welcomed us."

Throughout the port visit, many Sailors will explore Hong Kong through Navy sponsored Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) tours, a popular options amongst Sailors are kayaking and mountain biking. "I'm really excited since it's my first time kayaking, my first time in Hong Kong, and my first port visit," said Operations Specialist Seaman Apprentice Rodney Davis of Rex, Ga. "Everything is still really new, and I'm looking forward to seeing the difference between the Japanese and Chinese cultures."

Many Sailors will also volunteer for community relations projects at The Hong Kong Society for the Protection of Children (HKSPC) in Kowloon. Volunteers will play with children, paint the orphanage and assist with minor repair work. "I would rather go to an orphanage and help out," said Gas Turbines Systems Technician (Electrical) 2nd Class Marona Genato of San Diego. "They have no parents, and I want to show them that someone still cares for them and to make them feel loved."

There is also an opportunity for Sailors to become involved in the Hong Kong community is through the Meals in the Home Program. Sailors are matched with Americans or other expatriates living in Hong Kong and treated to some local hospitality such as a home cooked meal or a tour of the city. The program began in the 1970s by the Hong Kong's American Women's Association.

McCampbell and John S. McCain are assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and patrol the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility conducting routine operations. Operating in the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean, the U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets covering 48 million square miles, with approximately 60-70 ships, 200-300 aircraft, and 40,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any time.