Singapore Area Coordinator (SAC) welcomed Sailors and Marines from USS America (LHA-6) during a port visit to Singapore, Aug. 6 to Aug. 10.

USS America (LHA-6), is the first of the America-class amphibious assault ships for the U.S. Navy. The ship was delivered in spring of 2014, replacing the USS Peleliu (LHA-5) of the Tarawa class.

America's mission is to act as the flagship of an expeditionary strike group or amphibious ready group, carrying part of a U.S. Marine Corps expeditionary unit and putting them ashore with helicopters and V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, supported by F-35B Lightning II aircraft, if necessary.

America service members took advantage of the various services and facilities SAC offers, such as Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) activities, multiple Wi-Fi hot spots and its Terror Club dining facility.

For the Sailors and Marines, this was an opportunity to get a much-needed rest and relaxation period.

"After being on ship for a long time, it was good to get out with your friends. It boosted moral," said Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Mark Andreasen. "The service we got at the Terror Club and NEX was incredible. We received lots of hospitality which enabled us to enjoy ourselves and relax."

During the ship's visit, the MWR team, the Navy Exchange and Navy Federal Credit Union extended their service hours to support the visiting crew. Ship personnel also participated in various sporting events aboard the installation.

Many service members were grateful for the change of scenery and the chance for a break.

"Port visits are a big morale booster, something to look forward to whenever you are out to sea for a long time," said Marine Corp Cpl. Nathaniel Haynes. "[This visit] helped us to rejuvenate and get back to work with a fresh start."

During port visits from U.S. Navy vessels, SAC's supporting departments and tenant commands such as the Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center (NAVSUP FLC) Yokosuka, Site Singapore, Fleet and Family Readiness, Morale Welfare and Recreation, the Navy Exchange, and Navy Federal Credit Union, often extend vigorous efforts in supporting the Fleet.

In terms of preparation, the FLC logistics team coordinates with supply officers onboard ships prior to their arrival in order to provide quality logistics services such as provisions, fuel, postal services, and pier-side support.

"The people here have been incredibly accommodating, helpful with questions on where to go and what to do," said Andreasen. "They gave us lots of excellent advice on the best places to go out in town where we could experience the culture of Singapore and truly make a memorable experience out of this port visit."

The America, stationed out of San Diego, Calif., departed Singapore Aug. 10 to continue its deployment in the South Pacific while taking part in exercises and operations in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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For more news from Commander, Task Force 73, visit http://www.navy.mil/.