By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Chelsea Mandello,
Amphibious Squadron 11

HONG KONG, China – Sailors and embarked Marines from amphibious dock landing ship USS Tortuga (LSD 46) arrived in Hong Kong for a port visit Oct. 30.

Sailors and embarked Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit will be able to enjoy the city’s sights and culture as well as experience tours and Morale, Welfare and Recreation events.

“This is definitely a port that sailors have been looking forward to visiting,” said Lt. Adrienne Townsend, ship’s Chaplain. “There is so much culture and history here and sailors will have the opportunity to relax, see the sights, experience the wonderful MWR events and a community service event.”

During this port visit, the ship’s MWR office is offering a variety of tours that include Disneyland Hong Kong, Shekou and Guangzhou China Tour, where sailors can visit a local market and see historical items from the Tang Dynasty, Kung Fu classes and a trip through Hong Kong.

“The big things for deployments would be tours and hotels,” said Ensign Patrick Tabi, MWR officer aboard. “I’m excited because we have a lot of great tours available such as Disneyland, a wine tasting, Chinese tea tasting and city tours of Hong Kong.”

During the visit, sailors and Marines will also have the opportunity to visit with Hong Kong families through a community service “Meals in the Home” program.

“This is an awesome chance for sailors and Marines to see Hong Kong, experience something unique and to be treated with an exceptional day out with a local family,” said Religious Programs Specialist 2nd Class Yanet Chavezespinoza
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Tortuga is visiting Hong Kong for the first time since 2007.

Tortuga, commanded by Cmdr. John Barnett, is part of the only forward deployed Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and is currently operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

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