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

"Bali was a fantastic port visit. 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." said Captain Glenn Jamison, the New Orleans commanding officer. "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, myself and a few friends traveled to Tegenungan, a waterfall in the heart of Bali," said Gunners 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 Ens. Jaqueline White. "I also was excited to find some local art and paintings that I bought to bring home to San Diego."

The crew was recharged after a very relaxing time in Bali and was ready to continue on with their western Pacific deployment.

USS New Orleans (LPD 18), 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 and 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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