NAVAL STATION ROTA, Spain –
The Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) departed Naval Station Rota, Spain following a port visit, July 3, 2019.
"The crew had a great time in Rota and I'm proud of the way our Sailors and Marines conducted themselves while on liberty,” said Capt. Jason Rimmer, Kearsarge’s commanding officer. “There are many benefits to serving in the Navy, and getting to spend recreational time in places like Spain is definitely one of them."
Kearsarge Sailors and Marines enjoyed liberty with Morale, Welfare and Recreation-organized tours, a concert, and soccer games against local teams.
The tours included visits to Gibraltar, historical Seville, and San Marcos castle.
“Gibraltar was incredible because of the story behind it- all the military battles that took place and the formation of the rock itself,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class James Lukas. “It was an enriching experience seeing something with that much history. I would definitely visit again.”
The concert, which was held on July 2, featured the rock band American Authors. The band toured the ship before the show, during which they learned that Rimmer played guitar and invited him to perform with them during the concert.
"I would like to thank Naval Station Rota, [Naval Station Rota commanding officer] Capt. Baird and his team for all of the extra work they put in to support our port visit,” Rimmer said. “Ships as large as Kearsarge take a lot of resources and staffing to accommodate the needs of an additional 2,400 people, so I wanted to recognize them for their hospitality. The local MWR here in Rota also did a great job helping set up culturally enriching tours and events for the crew and I am grateful for that. Last but not least, I extend special thanks to MWR, Navy Entertainment, and the band American Authors for the concert they hosted during our last night in port. The crew loved it and the band played a great show. They were also kind enough to let me get on stage with them and play guitar on one of their original songs. I will treasure that experience."
Kearsarge is deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of regional allies and partners as well as U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.
For more news from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), visit http://www.navy.mil/local/lhd3/ and “Like” https://www.facebook.com/kearsarge.