USS Columbia, which arrived on its maiden trip to Saipan Thursday morning, had over 150 officers and crewmembers.
The ship’s commanding officer Dennis Klein told the Variety that he and his crewmembers were having a great time enjoying the island.
“This is a very beautiful island and the people are so friendly. We look forward to coming back,” Klein said.
Chamber president Doug Brennan, Veterans of Foreign Wars 6457 commander Mariano Fajardo, and Saipan seaport manager Mary Ann Lizama exchanged plaques of appreciation with Klein during the reception and thanked the sailors for choosing Saipan as their destination for a few days of rest and relaxation.
Local rates
The chamber at the same time urge Saipan’s golf courses to give visiting military personnel special discounts provided to locals.
Chamber executive director Richard A. Pierce said they successfully convinced Coral Ocean Point to do so.
“We are encouraging all the other golf course operators like Lao Lao Bay Golf Resort, Marianas Resort and Kingfisher Golf Course to follow the same and give our sailors local rates,” Pierce said.
He said this will keep the sailors coming back and spreading the word to others to come here.
Pierce said they are also encouraging other businesses like car rentals and taxis to give sailors local rates.
