The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) held a grand opening for 'Spot 3 Cafe,' an onboard coffee bar, with partners Starbucks Branded Solutions and Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), Sept. 23.

The guest of honor, Navy Exchange Chief Executive Officer retired Rear Adm. Robert Bianchi, said Kearsarge is the 13th ship to partner with Starbucks and have a coffee bar onboard.

"I don't know how you guys managed this, but you're actually the third LHD to have the coffee bar installed," said Bianchi. "A few months ago we cut the ribbon on your brand new ship's store; you were the third LHD to have that store branded as well. I see a theme here with the number three."

Kearsarge Commanding Officer David Bossert said many people worked behind the scenes to get the project done, and it's a great morale-booster for Sailors and Marines on deployment.

"Ships like this deploy for seven months at a time," said Bossert. "You see very few liberty ports. Something like this means a lot to every Sailor and Marine serving their country out at sea."

Spokesperson from Starbucks Branded Solutions, Tom Woods said, "The military and Starbucks have a rich history. We're very proud to be here, and I hope when somebody walks through these doors they feel at home."

All profits will go to the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation fund so Sailors and Marines can take full advantage of liberty ports said Bianchi.

Its mission is to provide a premium-quality of coffee service to the crew and to boost morale throughout the upcoming deployment, said Lt. Myeron Stanley, sales officer of the ship.

"I contacted Tom Woods and the NEXCOM personnel and coordinated everything so we could get training on our machines and the machines at the actual Starbucks," said Stanley. "We have trained nine baristas total and have more scheduled to follow."

Senior Chief Ship's Serviceman Cynthia Beale said the entire division is already preparing to learn to make specialty drinks for the upcoming holidays.

"We're just excited to experiment with the different flavors and things like that," said Beale. "We all want to have the same knowledge, so we can run smoothly and provide for the crew."

Kearsarge is scheduled to deploy to the 5th and 6th Fleet area of responsibility in support of maritime security operations and theater security later this fall.


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