SHUTTLEtheUSS Enterprise (CVN 65) - Sunday, July 3, 2011

Palma hosts Big ‘E’

Photo by MC2 Brooks B. Patton

the Page 3Sunday, July 3, 2011

Enterprise NewsSHUTTLE

By MC2 Aaron ChaseUSS Enterprise Public AffairsUSS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) completed a five-day liberty port visit to Palma de Mallorca July 2 where they took in the culture and beauty of the Spanish isle. It was a well-earned break for Enterprise crew members after 73 days at sea, and a chance to enjoy a port before the aircraft carrier continues its deployment which began in January. For most aboard, it was the first visit to the famed tourist destination of Palma, the capital of Mallorca, which hosts more than 22 million visitors per year. Enterprise’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) department offered Big ‘E’ Sailors 11 tours to soak in as much of Palma as possible. “It’s so laid back and relaxed here,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Brian Hooper, a member of the commanding officer’s mess galley aboard Enterprise. “There’s unique, old architecture here and such history.” Hooper visited Els Calderers de Sant Joan, a Mallorcan mansion with a history dating back to 1215. Mallorca has had settlements for more than 2,000 years, when it was first colonized by the Romans. The long arm of Mallorcan history has a tie to American history, as Enterprise Sailors found out during a visit to a museum and church dedicated to Fray Junipero Serra, a Franciscan friar who founded

a chain of missions along the coast of California. That chain helped establish the Spanish and Catholic heritage which remains a part of Californian culture today. “I am from California, so it’s nice to see the heritage that came about from it,” said Aviation Electronics Technician 2nd Class (AW) Christopher Selvage, a member of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11. Selvage did more than see the heritage, he helped preserve it. Enterprise Sailors took part in community relations around the church and museum by painting preservatives on ancient wooden church doors, mulching surrounding gardens and more. Another member of the party, Interior Communications

Electrician 1st Class (SW/AW) Reginald Morris, said it felt good to protect a part of history for generations to come. The many Spanish-speaking Sailors aboard Enterprise got the opportunity to use their language skills as well. These Sailors led tours of the aircraft carrier for awed locals, or aided Spanish tour guides during MWR trips. “I felt like I was needed,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman (SW/AW) Yesenia N. Ferrer who is originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico. “It’s a benefit to be bilingual and I felt like I was bridging different cultures, helping people understand each other.” Ferrer said she also felt like she was experiencing her historical roots by visiting Spain.

Yeoman 3rd Class (SW/AW) Maribel Benitez of Houston, Texas, remarked that the “hills, the cornerstones, even the gas stations” remind her of Mexico, where she visits family frequently. “It’s great to experience the source of our roots,” said Ferrer.Tomas Valles Cholby, who served as a tour guide for Enterprise’s MWR department, said he was happy to introduce the culture of Spain and Mallorca to Enterprise Sailors. “By learning more about a different culture, we see and know more about ourselves,” said Cholby, who said Enterprise Sailors were “younger and nicer than I expected.” “It is a great thing to open your mind,” said Cholby.

Enterprise completes port visit to Palma de Mallorca

Sailors board USS Enterprise (CVN 65) after spending their morning on a Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) tour in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Enterprise anchored in the bay of the Spanish island for five days, giving Sailors aboard a chance to enjoy the famed tourist destination after 73 days at sea. Palma was Enterprise’s final liberty port before it heads back to Norfolk, Va., following a six-month deployment.

Photo by MC1 (SW) Rebekah S. Adler

the Sunday, July 3, 2011Page 4 SHUTTLE

Big ‘E’ in Bay of Palma

Photo by MC2 Brooks B. Patton

Photo by MC2 Aaron Chase

Photo by SHSN (SW/AW) Yesenia N. Ferrer

Photo by MC2 Jymyaka J. Braden Photo by MC3 (SW) Jared M. King