DVIDS – News – USS John P. Murtha Conducts Singapore Port Call

SINGAPORE – The amphibious transport dock ship USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26) departed Singapore after a scheduled port call Jan. 31.

“Singapore has provided us with an opportunity for the crew to rest and reset during this deployment,” said Capt. Doug Langenberg, commanding officer of John P. Murtha. “Thank you to the community for welcoming the Sailors and Marines to a city rich in culture and history. We look forward to going back to sea!”

Sailors and Marines from the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) had a number of opportunities to rest and relax on and off the base. In conjunction with Sembawang Naval Base’s own Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program, seafarers were given opportunities and transportation to visit popular local amenities such as restaurants, local shopping and gyms throughout Singapore.

“Not only was this my first time in Singapore, but I got to experience it during the Lunar New Year,” said Gunner’s Mate Seaman Leonardo Perez. “It was a once in a lifetime experience for me and one I will always remember.”

Seafarers and Marines were also offered the opportunity to give back to the community by volunteering with The Salvation Army by spending their time at the main donation processing center for Singapore sorting donations into bins, wrapping clothes and loading the donations , move and transport.

“Our Sailors and Marines have shown a keen interest in volunteering here in Singapore,” said Navy Chaplain Lt. Jared Payne. “We are so grateful that we have been able to work with The Salvation Army to help them minister to the fellowship . It was hard work, but extremely rewarding to know that we are contributing to their important work.”
The 7th Fleet is the U.S. Navy’s largest forward-deployed numbered fleet and routinely interacts and operates with 35 seafaring nations to maintain a free and open region of the Indo-Pacific.

The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, consisting of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD 8) and the amphibious transport dock ships USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and USS John P. Murtha (LPD 26), operates in the area of ​​U.S. 7th Fleet operations with the embarked 13th MEU to enhance interoperability with allies and partners and to serve as an operational force defending peace and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region.