Richmond Hosts Memorable Final Visit for Tornado Crew

Sea Power, Nov 2004 by Atkinson, Peter E

The Oakland Council also provides letters of introduction to wineries in the North Bay that give significant discounts to the crews, she said.

Such hospitality can be extended to foreign vessels as well. The Fort Lauderdale Council played host to the British Royal Navy's landing platform dock ship HMS Albion and Type 23 frigate HMS Sutherland, and German Navy frigates Brandenburg and Bremen from German Task Force Group 501.01, during their respective port calls in late June.

This year has been somewhat quiet for the Pacific Central Region, with just three ships visiting as of September. But things were going pick up considerably in the fall with the guidedmissile destroyer USS O 'Kane coming in midOctober and six or seven Navy ships coming for Fleet Week Oct. 9-11, including the amphibious assault ship USS Tarawa that the Tri-City Council has adopted, Lockwood said.

The region recently hosted two Mark V Special Operations Craft when the boats were in San Francisco. On Sept. 4, there was even a "Craft Open House" for the public, which has become something of a rarity.

Stricter post-9/11 security measures and increased mission commitments have limited the availability of ships for visits, and all but eliminated access to ships by the general public. Navy League members have been feeling the pinch as well, with tours aboard ships becoming sporadic and scheduling uncertainties making councils wary of hosting - or publicizing - larger events for fear of cancellation.

But when circumstances - and security guidelines - allow it, fun, creative events that show appreciation for visiting crew members while also educating the public about the sea services can be good for everyone involved, Eson said.

The Richmond Council already has gained a couple new members as a result of the Tornado visit - including the owner of the disabled boat the ship assisted during the cruise - and several others have called to express interest in joining, Moschetti said. The Richmond Post-Dispatch also ran a large feature story about the visit.

The Richmond council now is hoping to line up a Coast Guard vessel visit to coincide with the service's birthday next year.

By PETER E. ATKINSON

Deputy Editor