The amphibious transport dock ship USS Arlington (LPD 24) wrapped up a five-day port visit to Boston and set sail for her Norfolk homeport, March 18.

During the visit, Sailors and Marines participated in multiple holiday events throughout the city, including the South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade, the annual South Boston Citizen's Association dinner and numerous community relations projects.

"Boston completely opened their doors to us," said Cmdr. Greg Baker, Arlington commanding officer. "From the time we picked up the pilot when pulling into port they were very helpful and friendly, so even before we were pierside we felt very welcome here."

At the 239th annual South Boston Citizen's Association dinner, Baker was one of the guests seated at the head table where he spoke of the reception Arlington received from the Boston community. Many Sailors and Marines were given the opportunity to march in the annual parade, an event attended by an estimated 500,000 people. It is held annually in South Boston to celebrate both St. Patrick's Day and Evacuation Day, which commemorates the successful evacuation of British soldiers from Boston early in the Revolutionary War.

Other groups that participated included local veterans groups such as the Lexington Minute Men and many of Boston's public servants, such as local police and fire departments.

Marching ahead of Arlington's crew was their color guard, whose display of the colors elicited numerous chants of "Go Navy!" from the crowd throughout the parade.

"It was an absolute honor to parade the colors at such a large event," said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Damario McFrazier," a member of Arlington's color guard. "Seeing the crowds light up as we marched with the national ensign was an experience I will never forget. It will be a story I tell for years."

"Marching in this parade was positively overwhelming," said Chief Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) Paul Hryhorenko, one of many Arlington Sailors that took part in the gala event. "The people of Boston were very welcoming and hospitable and were cheering us throughout. We really felt like we were the rock stars of the parade."

Several community relations events were also organized for the crew during the holiday stopover, including a visit to the Greater Boston Food Bank where they sorted food that was donated to feed the hungry.

"I would have to say that this visit definitely improved an already stellar relationship between the city of Boston and the United States Navy," said Baker. "There were people in the parade giving shout-outs the entire length of the parade and it really felt like we had a group of rock stars marching down the streets of Boston."

Arlington's crew also took the opportunity to explore the city, with many visiting USS Constitution, Faneuil Hall and Fenway Park.

"There were so many opportunities in Boston for Sailors to see amazing sights," said Baker. "Boston is a very historic town with a rich history and it was great to see Sailors take advantage of that."

For more news from Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/.