Sailors and Marines assigned to the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) concluded Fleet Week Port Everglades 2018, May 6.

During their week in port, the nearly 1,500 Kearsarge crew, embarked Marines and visiting Coast Guardsmen interacted with the citizens and visitors of Fort Lauderdale and surrounding area through various community outreach engagements. Each visiting ship provided tours to the public and participated in more than 40 community relations projects, including visits to local schools and hospitals, and a reception hosted aboard Kearsarge.

"The citizens of Fort Lauderdale were excited to see us and enjoyed the quality of presentations here onboard the ship," said Cmdr. Frank T. Ingargiola, Kearsarge's "Air Boss", who was one of the lead organizers for Fleet Week. "It was awesome to see how excited all the kids were to be here and to see them express an interest in the military."

In total, Kearsarge hosted more than 10,000 visitors to the ship, including five WWII veterans, who were awarded the French Legion of Honor during a ceremony on board.

Kearsarge Sailors and Marines said they were proud to interact with the citizens of Fort Lauderdale and give back to the city that showed them such a welcome.

"It was amazing to be out there helping the community," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class James Lukas. "Something that seems small like visiting schools or hospitals can actually have a huge positive impact."

Fleet Week Port Everglades provided an opportunity for the citizens of South Florida and visitors to meet nearly 2,000 Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as see, firsthand, the latest capabilities of today's sea services.

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