The Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) arrived in Guam for a routine port visit, Sept. 24.

The port visit gave the crew a chance to relax from their high-tempo patrol and a first-hand experience of Guam's history, culture and life on the island.

"My crew has worked tirelessly and they have earned a short break in this beautiful port," said Cmdr. Amy Graham, Curtis Wilbur's Commanding Officer. "They execute every mission, including liberty, fantastically! I am proud to be their commanding officer."

Curtis Wilbur's Morale Welfare and Recreation (MWR) committee organized a command picnic for the crew and friends at Gab Gab beach on Naval Base Guam.

"We organized the Command Picnic to provide our shipmates time to relax and to reenergize, who after a long underway period were ready for a much anticipated break," said Chief Melvin Tanio, Curtis Wilbur's Fun Boss, or leader of the MWR committee. "The crew enjoyed chatting, eating American and Asian cuisine, playing games, and listening to lively music."

For many Curtis Wilbur Sailors, this was their first time visiting Guam.

"It was much-needed relaxation time and the beaches were gorgeous," said Ens. Audrey Head. "The mix of Japanese, American, and Island culture was also interesting and unexpected."

The ship's port visit followed their participation in the biennial, U.S.-only, field training exercise (FTX) Valiant Shield 2016. For the duration of the exercise Curtis Wilbur was attached to both Carrier Strike Group Five (CSG 5) and Expeditionary Strike Group Seven (ESG 7) to complete various tasks within the exercise.

Curtis Wilbur is on patrol with Carrier Strike Group Five (CSG 5) in the Philippine Sea supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.


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