The amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed Singapore on Jan. 5.

During the ship's first port visit since their return to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, the crew onloaded supplies completed community service projects, and had the opportunity to experience the rich culture of Singapore.

"The crew got some much deserved rest and liberty in this fascinating country, and now we are ready to continue our mission here in this vital region," said Cmdr. Kevin Dean, Pearl Harbor's executive officer.

During the second day of the port visit, Sailors and Marines had the opportunity to volunteer at the Willing Hearts Soup Kitchen.

"We assisted in the cooking and preparation of more than 5,000 meals," said Lt. Kenneth Orsburn, Pearl Harbor's chaplain. "We joined the other staff and volunteers for lunch and got to know more about each other. It was a wonderful opportunity to work with Willing Hearts. The dedicated staff and volunteers provided us with inspiration as they seek to feed the hungry in their local community."

While on liberty, Sailors and Marines were able to go out into Singapore and explore the country they had heard so much about prior to their arrival.

"My favorite thing about Singapore was the culture," said Seaman Miguel Mendez. "Between the train, food, shops and sights, everything is so different and so unique compared to the United States."

Pearl Harbor, part of the America Amphibious Ready Group, with embarked 15th MEU and assigned under Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) Three, is operating in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region to strengthen partnerships and serve as a ready-response force for any type of contingency.

For more information on Pearl Harbor, visit:
www.public.navy.mil/surfor/LSD52
https://www.facebook.com/USSPEARLHARBOR

For more information on CPR3, visit:
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/cpr3/Pages/default.aspx
https://www.facebook.com/PHIBRON3/

For more information on 15th MEU, visit:
www.facebook.com/15thmarineexpeditionaryunit
www.twitter.com/15thmeuofficial
www.dvidshub.net/unit/15thmarineexpeditionaryunit

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS America (LHA 6), visit www.navy.mil/.