USS Juneau (LPD 10) hosted 32 children from the Boys and Girls Club of Juneau July 29 during the ship’s namesake visit.
“I have permission to come aboard,” said each child from the Boys and Girls Club before they could board the ship for
their private tour.
Boatswain’s Mate Seaman (SW) Keith Betro, quarterdeck watchstander, greeted each child with a quick salute and with
that, the tour officially began.
Nineteen Sailors ate lunch with the children, answered their questions, and gave a tour of the ship. The event was Juneau’s
final community involvement project before the ship left to be deactivated from the fleet in San Diego.
While the tour was private and catered to the children, Sailors were used to talking about the ship. In the three days Juneau
was open for tours, more than 2,000 people toured the ship.
Children ate lunch on the mess decks with the Sailors.
“I enjoyed it,” said Information Systems Technician 1st Class Ricardo Resendez.
Resendez, who also volunteered at the previous Boys and Girls Club event, said he was asked about how the crew survives
if the ship is in danger.
Interacting with the children made some Sailors reminisce about their own families. “It kind of reminds me of home,” he said,
mentioning that he has two children of his own.
“For me it was like sitting down with my niece and nephew,” said Yeoman 3rd Class (SW) Steven Strickland. “It was [really] nice.”
Children were given paper Sailor caps at lunch to wear throughout the day.
The next stop on the tour was the wardroom where Lt. Cmdr. David Knight, Juneau’s executive officer, welcomed the group.
The children also walked around the decks and looked at the ship’s weapons.
The group also visited the bridge where the commanding officer’s and the executive officer’s chair quickly became the best
places to sit.
The last stop of the tour included a visit to a landing craft air cushion, a hovercraft that transports Marines when they need
to go ashore during combat.
Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class (SW/AW) Anthony Savage was the tour guide at this stop and said that it was fun to see all of the
children smiling.
“I love it,” he said. “It gives you a sense of pride.”
Two girls on the tour, Isabell and Amanda, both enjoyed the tour.
“This is the coolest place I’ve ever been,” Isabell said.
Before the children disembarked the ship, Capt. Dennis Mikeska, commanding officer of Juneau, thanked them for coming aboard.
When he asked if there were any questions, Isabell asked, “Can I have your autograph?”
Her question was followed by the entire group crowding around Mikeska handing him their Sailor caps for him to sign.
The children departed the ship the same way they did to board - speaking like a Sailor.
“Permission to go ashore?,” each child asked, followed by Betro granting them liberty.