Gov. Arnold I. Palacios, center, holds a USS Milius plaque while he and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, left, pose for a photo with the destroyer’s commanding officer, CDR Leif Gunderson, at the Port of Saipan on Thursday.
THE USS Milius, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, made its third port call on Saipan on Thursday with Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang welcoming the crew led by their commanding officer, CDR Leif Gunderson, at the local port.
Commissioned in 1996, the USS Milius DDG 69 is a forward deployment ship operating continuously in the Pacific region out of Yokosuka, Japan.
The other officers who met with Palacios and Apatang onboard the ship were its executive officer, LCDR Ivan Dobrev, and Command Master Chief Troy Bojorquis.
Gunderson said they are delighted to be here. He said the USS Milius has been operating in the Pacific region for the past couple of months, “doing a lot of good work out there for the security of the region.”
On behalf of the ship’s 350 other officers and crewmembers, Gunderson said they are “super excited” to be on Saipan and to get acquainted with its rich history while experiencing local culture.
The sailors, he added, are delighted and “we are all enjoying” the island.
The USS Milius previously visited Saipan in 2015 and 2019.
Gunderson said port visits provide an opportunity for the crew to rest and recharge, as well as to replenish supplies and perform maintenance on the ship.
The governor said he is very happy to welcome the USS Milius and its the crew “because they’ve been out there protecting us.”
He noted that when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the island, port calls were minimized. Now that the pandemic “is behind us,” he said the CNMI government looks forward to more U.S. Navy ships visiting the Commonwealth.
“And we thank them for keeping us safe in the region,” the governor added.
For his part, Lt. Gov. Apatang thanked Gunderson and the USS Milius crew for visiting Saipan.
He said he’s sure that they will enjoy their visit.
“We always love to see you guys enjoying your visit here in the Commonwealth. When you leave, please tell the other ships to stop by also. We will be more than happy to welcome them as well,” he added.
