Sailors and Marines gave guided tours to Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts aboard the Harpers Ferry-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) as part of Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore (MDFWASB) on Oct. 6.

Scouts were taken aboard the ship as special visitors and given private lessons about precision guided missiles, a howitzer, Light Armored Vehicle-Recovery (LAV-R) and various weapons used by the 2nd Marine Division attached to the ship.

“It is such a great opportunity for these scouts to see what the military does for us day in and day out,” said Mike Nolan, a Cub Scout Pack 478 leader. “I think the kids will be talking about this day for a long time.”

Oak Hill is expecting to receive more than 1,300 visitors while berthed in Baltimore
as a part of the festivities scheduled around the city. For many Sailors, this is a
chance to share their daily lives to the public.

“This has been such a flashback for me,” said Ship’s Serviceman Seaman Apprentice Donald Ryder, assigned to Oak Hill. “I remember being a Boy Scout and climbing into a Humvee. Honestly, that was one of the reasons I wanted to join the military way back when. I hope today we were able to leave a lasting impression.”

Throughout Maryland Fleet Week and Air Show Baltimore, Oct. 3-9, U.S., Canadian and British navy vessels will be available for embarking visitors in the Inner Harbor, Fells Point and Locust Point. Service members will be participating in an array of other activities, including visiting local schools, conducting ship tours, attending receptions and sporting events, participating in community service projects and experiencing Baltimore.

MDFWASB is Baltimore’s celebration of the sea services and provides an opportunity for the citizens of Maryland and the city of Baltimore to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services.

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