Lassen Makes Port Call to Bali
rhsukarsa
January 31, 2009, Bali -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) arrived off the coast of Bali Jan. 31 for a scheduled port visit to the southern Indonesian island.
"This is a rare opportunity for Sailors to enjoy such a renowned tropical getaway. The officers and crew of USS Lassen are looking forward to taking full advantage of what Bali has to offer," said Cmdr. Anthony Simmons, Lassen's commanding officer. "We hope that our visit to Bali will open the door to visits by U.S. Navy ships in the future."
Lassen's crew of 330 Sailors, to include Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) 51 Detachment 6, will have a chance to explore the Bali through Morale, Welfare and Recreation tours offered to the crew.
Bali is part of the Lower Sunde Islands and is one of 33 provinces in Indonesia.
U.S. Navy port visits represent an important opportunity to promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, demonstrating commitment to regional partners and fostering growing relationships.
Lassen is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and patrols 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.(navy.mil)
