The USS Anchorage has stopped in Mexico for its first liberty port call en route to its new home port of San Diego, according to the Navy.
The San Antonio class amphibious transport dock made a stop in Manzanillo before the final leg of its transit to San Diego gets under way.
Once the USS Anchorage arrives in San Diego, a homecoming ceremony will be held for its sailors and Marines, many of whom have been away from home for more than seven months, according to the U.S. Navy Third Fleet.
The ship's commanding officer, Capt. Brian Quin, said the stop in Mexico would give the crew an opportunity to have fun after working hard for several months to take custody of the Anchorage and sail for home.
The ship departed the Huntington Ingalls Industry Shipbuilding site in Avondale, La. on Oct. 30.
“The crew has impressed me with their drive and attention to detail,” Quin said. “A port visit where crew members can relax, explore, learn and have fun is one of the few ways to say thank you. We still have a few more miles to travel on this road to get Anchorage to the fleet, but the crew has already proven they are up on the task.”
The USS Anchorage will be commissioned in May in its namesake city. It is the second ship to be named for the Alaskan city, according to Navy officials.
– City News Service
