The amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) unveiled an entirely new look for the ship's store, June 11, after a complete renovation for a more efficient layout to better handle the demand of an integrated blue and green team.

The new design will support more available items while using much less space. The renovation comes just in time for the ship to take on about 700 Marines from 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

"For a long time, Sailors had difficulty with items not being stocked or hard to find," said Eric Providakes, Arlington's sales officer. "With the new layout, the crew is able to get in and out of the store with much less wait time, which allows a more pleasant shopping experience. At the end of the day, our main goal is to raise the morale of the crew and show that we're here for them."

In just four days, the entire S-3 division and several contracted workers reconfigured and enhanced the ship's store to provide a convenient, well-organized shopping experience. The enhanced design should remind shoppers of the Naval Exchange (NEX), making Sailors and Marines feel more at home on the ship and more comfortable out at sea.

"People are excited to come in now, and it's like the entire atmosphere has changed," said Ship's Serviceman 3rd Class Kale Hart-Craddle, one of the many cashiers for the ship's store. "We've also installed a stereo system, so people walk in, dance and have a good time. We want customers to feel comfortable and enjoy their shopping experience."

"The goal is to get Sailors and Marines enthusiastic about new items for sale and products they have yet to see stocked," said Providakes. "With the addition of several hundred Marines onboard for the upcoming exercises and eventual deployment, Arlington's store is better equipped to effectively service the entire crew this underway and throughout deployment."

For more news from USS Arlington (LPD 24), visit www.navy.mil/.