THE U.S. military warship that China barred from visiting Hong Kong arrived Friday on Saipan with 400 officers and crew on board.
According to Saipan Seaport Manager Antonio Cabrera, the USS Curtis Wilbur, a guided missile destroyer of the U.S. 7th Fleet based in Yokosuka, Japan, will stay on the island until Tuesday.
U.S. State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said China gave no reason for its decision to reject a request for an April 5-9 visit by the ship in Hong Kong, according to the Associated Press.
Cabrera said he was thankful that the ship chose Saipan over other U.S. destinations for its rest and recreation.
“We hope more ships will come to help boost our economy. The crew spend a lot of money while they are here. Even the ship itself generates income to the CNMI. They buy fuel, food supply, among other things,” Cabrera said.
Among the ship’s crew is Shivaugn Schlegel. This is her second time to visit Saipan, having been here in Feb. 2001.
Schlegel said she likes Saipan and its environment, especially the Grotto, which was previously named as one of the best diving spots in the world. She also likes to visit DFS, GIG and Pacific Islands Club.
