Sailors and Marines from amphibious transport dock USS New Orleans (LPD 18) and the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) anchored off the coast of Bali, Indonesia, Aug. 7-12.

"Bali was a fantastic port visit," said Capt. Glenn Jamison, New Orleans commanding officer. "The crew had been looking forward to this particular visit for quite some time, and the culture, hospitality, and liberty opportunities far exceeded expectations. I know many, including myself, hope to return in the future. This also marked New Orleans' final overseas port call for deployment, and we are eager to get back on mission, finish strong, and return home safely to our families and friends."

Many of the Sailors and Marines took this opportunity to surf, snorkel, and enjoy some of Bali's world-renowned waterfalls.

"One of our days of liberty, [I] and a few friends traveled to Tegenungan, a waterfall in the heart of Bali," said Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Gregory Quagliano. "It was an amazing experience to see a huge waterfall and swim underneath it."

Other Sailors and Marines traveled around the island to shop for hand-crafted souvenirs and enjoy the local Balinese cuisine.

"I enjoyed trying the local cuisine of Bali," said Ensign Jaqueline White. "I also was excited to find some local art and paintings that I bought to bring home to San Diego."

The crew seemed recharged and ready to continue on with their Western Pacific deployment after a relaxing time in Bali.

New Orleans, part of the Boxer Amphibious Ready Group, with amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4), amphibious dock landing ship USS Harpers Ferry (LSD 49) and the embarked 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the Western Pacific in support of security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

While in 7th Fleet, the Boxer ARG and 13th MEU are assigned to Commander, Amphibious Force U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa.

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