USS Germantown Arrives in Cambodia

17 October 2016

From Petty Officer 2nd Class Raymond D. Diaz III

SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia (NNS) -- Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) arrived in Sihanoukville, Cambodia, for a scheduled port visit, Oct. 16.

Germantown and the embarked Combat Logistics Battalion of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Sihanoukville after completing Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 33 in the Republic of the Philippines.

"Moving forward from our busy operational schedule and the completion of our last exercise, we welcome this great opportunity to visit Cambodia," said Cmdr. Severn Stevens, commanding officer of Germantown. "It's not very often Navy vessels visit here, so we plan to make the most of our stay by interacting with our Navy counterparts of the Royal Cambodian navy, and also experiencing the rich culture this country has to offer."

During their stay, Sailors and Marines will get to experience past and present Cambodia through cultural and historical tours hosted by Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR).

"The Marines of CLB-31 and the 31st MEU are excited to visit Cambodia and see all it has to offer after recently completing Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise," said Lt. Col. Siebrand H. Niewenhous IV, commanding officer, Combat Logistics Battalion 31. "Most Marines never have an opportunity to visit places like Cambodia, and we are all looking forward to getting to see and experience the unique culture of Sihanoukville."

Sailors and Marines aboard Germantown will have the opportunity to visit the famed temple city Angkor Wat, and the nation's capital, Phnom Penh.

Aside from trips and tours, Germantown will host a reception aboard the ship for U.S. Embassy staff, senior Cambodian naval officials, and foreign attaches. The evening event will be hosted on the ship's flight deck, where U.S. and foreign dignitaries will have the opportunity for social exchanges.

Sailors and Marines will also partake in sporting events with Cambodian service members. This will include a volleyball and soccer match between the two nations.

Germantown, attached to Expeditionary Strike Group 7, is underway in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia Pacific region.