USS John L. Hall Visits Portsmouth, England

Storms in the Atlantic Ocean delayed John L. Hall's return to Mayport following participation in Exercise Joint Warrior 09-2 and port visits to Klaipeda, Lithuania and Copenhagen, Denmark. The ship was forced to seek shelter at Her Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth until the weather cleared enough to begin the trans-Atlantic voyage.

John L. Hall's Sailors were able to enjoy liberty in Portsmouth, home of the main base for the Royal Navy for the past several hundred years, and the launching point for thousands of warships and landing craft during the Invasion of Normandy on D-Day, 06 June 1944. The city of Portsmouth is on England's southern coast and is approximately 60 miles southwest of the capital London. Many Sailors also took advantage of tours or traveled on their own to London, Stonehenge, Bath, and Salisbury.

The staff at Naval Base Portsmouth extended their hospitality by opening up their Wardroom (Officer's Mess), Senior Ratings Mess (CPO Mess) and Junior Ratings facilities. In addition, they arranged several private tours of HMS Victory for John L. Hall's crew. HMS Victory, a 100-gun ship of the line, served as flagship for Vice Admiral Lord Nelson at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805, was completed in 1765 and is the world's oldest commissioned warship. "I was amazed to see the living conditions of sailors of the past, as I was equally amazed at the level of commitment to fight for country under such conditions. The craftsmanship of that great vessel and the attention to detail to use every square inch is astounding. I now understand why the British are proud of their naval heritage." Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF) Lennard Smalls of the Admin Department commented after his tour of HMS VICTORY.

The ship's MWR sponsored trips to London and Stonehenge for a minimal cost to the Sailors.

"London is a wonderful city which proudly displays its history and culture," said Chief Petty Officer Tony Jones, of Combat Systems Department. "The people were very warm and helpful making me and the liberty party feel at home. I would definitely consider re-visiting London in the future."

The crew had many favorite sights in London that had a personal connection. had this to say

"The whole underway period was worthwhile just to get to go to Abbey Rode in London; a world-famous recording studio where both the Beatles and Pink Flood recorded their first albums," said Electrician's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Steven Selsor of Engineering Department. "Just to stand out in front and sign the wall with 40 years of aspiring musicians was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, next to my child being born."