More than 1,300 Sailors and Marines manned the rails aboard the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) as it moored pierside in New Orleans for the start of Navy Week New Orleans 2018, April 19.

"Kearsarge is honored to be part of New Orleans Tri-centennial Celebration," said Commanding Officer David K. Guluzian. "Showcasing our ship helps strengthen the connection between our service members and the citizens they serve. Navy Week New Orleans will be a tremendous opportunity for the public to meet our team and for our Sailors and Marines to experience world-renowned New Orleans hospitality."

For some Sailors, like New Orleans native Airman Laura Fierro, Navy Week is not just a community relations event, but also a homecoming.

"It's even more exciting that it's my first port. I'm brand new to the Navy, so being home and getting to man the rails is awesome. I'm excited," said Fierro.

When asked what she is looking forward to most, Fierro replied, "Seeing my nephews, my neice and my family. And Crawfish. I'm so excited to get some crawfish and gumbo before I can't have it anymore!"

Fierro is not the only member of the Kearsarge crew eager to indulge in the culture and cuisine of New Orleans this week. While in port, service members will enjoy liberty and participate in a variety of scheduled events including community service projects and a seafood cookoff.

Navy Week New Orleans provides an opportunity for the citizens of New Orleans 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.

Navy Week New Orleans is scheduled to run from April 19 to April 25.

For up-to-date information on ship locations and tour schedules, visit the official Navy Week New Orleans website at www.nolanavyweek.com and "Like" www.facebook.com/Nolanavyweek.

For more news from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), visit http://www.navy.mil/ and "Like" http://www.facebook.com/LHD3.

For more news from USS Kearsarge (LHD 3), visit http://www.navy.mil/.