Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Lassen (DDG 82) visited New Orleans Nov. 10 to celebrate Veterans Day weekend in the city.

The crew of nearly 300 Sailors participated in various formal engagements, community relations events, and took in the sights while in port. They took part in a Veterans Day ceremony at the National World War II Museum in which Cmdr. Thomas Chekouras, Lassen commanding officer, was a featured speaker. After the ceremony, he expressed appreciation and pride in being part of the event.

"I felt honored to speak on behalf of the Lassen crew at the World War II museum on Veterans Day," said Chekouras. "This is an incredible crew, and I look forward to going to work every day because of them. I'm truly honored and humbled to be their commanding officer."

Chekouras also expressed admiration for the host city.

"New Orleans is such a fantastic city; it has so much culture that is indicative of its interesting and eclectic history, and there's beautiful architecture and people from all walks of life," said Chekouras. "The stories I've heard about the wonderful people and music of New Orleans are true."

Petty Officer 2nd Class Hannah Conners, a native of the New Orleans area, was excited to have her ship homeported in Mayport, Florida, as it is fairly close to home, and was glad the ship was able to visit her hometown so her whole family could come aboard and see what she does in the Navy.

"I grew up here, but had to move out of the area after Hurricane Katrina," said Connors. "Since then, I've joined the Navy and my parents returned to the area. It's truly awesome to have been able to invite them onto my ship and show them what I do. It was also cool to come up the Mississippi River and show all of my shipmates where I'm from."

Later in the weekend, Lassen Sailors were also given an opportunity to volunteer at the City Park of New Orleans, where they planted more than 20 bald cypress trees and cleared a sizable riverside area of trash, brush, and downed trees.

Chief Petty Officer Llordvhon Bianco, a Lassen Sailor, participated in the project and shared his thoughts after the experience.

"I feel great after seeing these crew members come together like this," said Bianco. "They came in here ready to work, not for how it looks or recognition. You get to see them in a different light when we're away from the ship, and we get to enjoy each other while we get work done for a good cause."

"This is the Navy's way of reaching out to the community and showing what today's military brings to the table," added Chekouras. "It's just a good way for the public to see what we are actually doing, and why we are doing it."

While in port, Lassen hosted daily tours open to the public. Chekouras was also proud of the opportunity to host the visitors, and show off the crew and the work they do.

"You'd be surprised how many people do not know or understand the Navy, so we wanted to show them that this is where we live, work, eat, and rest," he said. "I think the public will then have a greater understanding as to what we are doing when we go out to sea and spend months and months away from home, and that there is indeed a sacrifice."

In all, the Lassen was in port four days, departing Nov. 14 to head back to her homeport to refuel and then return to sea. The captain expressed gratitude for having been able to take part in the experience.

"We're excited and proud to have been able to celebrate Veterans Day with the city of New Orleans," he said. "Thankfully, we had a lot on our plate in terms of being able to celebrate and interact with the city."

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

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/.