USS John L. Hall Visits Klaipeda, Lithuania

John L. Hall Sailors, along with the embarked Sailors of HSL-48 Detachment Nine, completed several community relations events; attended a reception in their honor hosted by the Lithuanian Navy; hosted a reception onboard for the Lithuanian Navy, local government and community leaders, and the U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania; offered tours of their ship and were guests onboard several Lithuanian Navy vessels during the visit.

A city that dates back almost 800 years, Klaipeda is the only seaport for Lithuania and is home to their Navy. The Lithuanian Navy provided excellent support to the ship and crew, and immediately helped them get involved with the local community. Upon the ship's arrival on Oct. 21, the Commanding Officer, Commander Derek M. Lavan, was met by the local media. Questions centered on why the ship was visiting Klaipeda, why the U.S. Navy was in the Baltic Sea, and what they hoped to achieve while in Lithuania.

"We are here as part of the United States Navy's continuing presence in the Baltic Sea to promote Maritime Safety and Security, which is necessary to ensure freedom of the seas, safe navigation and commerce, to advance prosperity and freedom, and to protect the resources of the oceans," he said. "We are also here to work with the Lithuanian Navy, who has been a valuable partner and our visit here is part of the ongoing relationship between our two countries and our two Navies."

Beginning on the first day inport, the crew of John L. Hall departed on several community relations projects. One group of Sailors spoke to students at the Juodkrante Sea Cadet School, who hope to one day serve onboard either military or merchant ships. Another group of Sailors delivered Project Handclasp materials to the Caritas Elderly Home and the Rytas Orphanage along with the U.S. Ambassador, Ambassador Anne Derse. Project Handclasp is a program where Americans can donate educational, humanitarian and goodwill material to be transported overseas by Navy ships. Not only did the Sailors deliver these donated supplies, but they stayed to tour the facilities, talk with the residents, and taught the children at the orphanage some American dance moves while learning local Lithuanian dances. "The Sailors of John L Hall worked so hard preparing for the TSC port visit and to see them out in town interacting with the Lithuanian people made me very proud to be a Chaplain," said Lt. Cmdr. Philip Bagrow, CHC, of the Surface Ministries Center.

For many Sailors, the highlight of the port visit was a joint clean-up of Melnrage Beach by John L. Hall and Lithuanian Sailors. They were joined by Ambassador Derse, members of the U.S. Embassy, and received very positive coverage by local television and newspapers.

First Division's Leading Petty Officer, Boatswain's Mate 1st Class (SW) Anthony Robinson said "I really thought it was good and I really didn't know how much the people of Klaipeda would appreciate us cleaning a beach. It was great to get out and work with the Lithuanian Sailors on a COMREL project and then to have lunch and talk with them was an experience I won't soon forget."

This event was followed by a barbecue with traditional American and Lithuanian foods cooked by Sailors from both navies and a basketball game between Lithuanian and U.S. Sailors. John L. Hall suffered a narrow defeat to the Lithuanian team, who has an unbeaten record against every U.S. Navy ship that has visited in the past several years.

On the last day inport, the crew hosted a reception onboard. Ambassador Derse joined Cmdr. Derek Lavan in welcoming the governor, mayor, members of parliament, and members of all branches of the Lithuanian military and thanked them for their outstanding hospitality. This reception capped an excellent port visit that continued to build the strong relationship between the two countries.

"I enjoyed the opportunity to meet with our peers in the Lithuanian Navy, a chance to show off our ship and to see the pride the Sailors had for their Navy was a memorable experience," remarked Lt. Adams, John L. Hall Supply Officer.

"Theater Support Cooperation (TSC) engagements are very challenging but well worth the investment. What a fantastic county with great people and culture," said Master Chief Beauchamp, the ship's Command Master Chief. "The Sailors onboard had a unique opportunity to meet and talk with senior non-commissioned officers, take tours of Lithuanian ships, ask questions of the Command Sergeant Major of the Lithuanian Armed Forces and the Lithuanian Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. They worked side by side cleaning a popular beach in Klaipeda.

TSC engagements are truly the best way to see the world and get to know Sailors from other countries."