British Royal Navy, Wasp Sailors See How the Other Half Lives
Otis Willie
(EXCERPT) Story number: NNS020802-11 Release date: 8/2/2002 1:27:00
PM, by Signalman 3rd Class Derrick M. Ingle, USS Wasp Public Affairs
ABOARD USS WASP, At Sea (NNS)-- Twenty Sailors from USS Wasp (LHD 1)
recently had the chance to swap accents, culture and memorabilia with
officer cadets from Plymouth, England's HMS Campbeltown.
After four hours of touring each other’s vessels, the Wasp crew
members and future leaders of the Royal Navy were able to recognize
and appreciate their naval differences.
“Being on board an American ship is a real eye opener,” said Officer
Cadet Shay Sherestha of Dartmouth, England. “Watching your jets take
off and seeing how American Sailors live at sea has been quite
insightful.”
Other English sailors were amazed at the size difference between Wasp
and Campbeltown, which is about the size of a U.S. frigate.
“This ship is huge, absolutely massive,” said Officer Cadet Guy
Harrison, a sailor from Dartmouth, England. "This ship is much bigger
than ours. The Campbeltown is much more compact. We have only one
helicopter. Here, there is a large variety of different aircraft and
multiple operations.”
Some of the returning Wasp Sailors thought bigger wasn't necessarily
better.
“I appreciated the Campbeltown’s smaller size,” said Ensign Melissa
Proud, a native of Glen Cove, N.Y. “No matter where you were, you
could see everything. Our ship is so much more massive and complex.”
Wasp tour guide Lt. j.g. Peter Eudy visited HMS Campeltown more than a
year ago. He wanted to return the favor by showing the British sailors
some traditional American naval hospitality.
“I took them to see the Marine’s equipment in the upper V, the combat
information center, and to see a jet engine change out in the hangar
bay,” said Eudy of San Antonio. “The British Sailors had a great time
and were reluctant to leave. When they first arrived, I took them to
lunch in the wardroom. They noticed our soda machine had root...
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Otis Willie
Associate Librarian
The American War Library
http://www.americanwarlibrary.com