Broward
County Council
On July 20 2007 Fort Lauderdale
was invaded by the US Navy Task Force 10 consisting of the 5 ships and an air
wing and about 8000 sailors.
USS Winston Churchill (DDG81),
USS Montpelier(SSN735) were cared for by the Broward County & Boca/Del Ray
Councils.
The USS Oscar Austin(DDG79)
& HMS Manchester(D95), a British Destroyer were met by the Fort
Lauderdale and Everglades Councils.
The USS Truman(CVN75) and the
air wing were sponsored by Broward Navy Days.
Thus massive operation was
handled with no conflict . The Navy Leagues and Navy Days set about living up
to Ft. Lauderdale's reputation as the best liberty port on the East Coast.
Once the ships were settled in
their berths an All Hands party ensued at Briny's Pub in downtown Ft.
Lauderdale. It was a great party with several complementary drinks and great
food for the men in uniform. There was music and dancing.
The next day the party was
hosted by the Commanding Officer of the USS Harry S. Truman(CVN75). Captain
Herman A. Shelanski, USN and Commander Carrier Strike Group TEN, Rear Admiral
William E. Gortney. The Navy's gratitude was shown by a tremendous spread.
Gifts were exchanged and a great time was had by all. As the carrier was
anchored offshore everyone enjoyed a delightful shuttle ride to and from the
ship.
The next day the Navy was taken
to the Marlins Baseball game. The first ball was thrown out by one of the
sailors. There were also separate special parties for the Junior Officers at
the East Side Pub where Karaoke was king and the Chief's Party was held at the
Wayward Sailor where many cigars were smoked, beers consumed and stories told.
Time goes by fast when you are
having fun and the next day the ships departed as locals waved goodbye from
the seawall.
