The guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54) hosted an open ship during a port visit to Incheon, Republic of Korea Sept. 16. The port visit was just one of the activities that encompassed the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Incheon Landing.
More than 1,000 visitors toured the Curtis Wilbur, stopping along the way to take photos with Sailors and asking questions about the function and operation of the equipment on board. Many visitors took the time during the tour to thank some of the Sailors for doing a great job and gave compliments about the condition of the ship.
"I think it is very nice," said Hongt Soon Yong, as he toured the flight deck. "It is very clean."
For some visitors, this was there first time visiting a U.S. warship. Through a translator, Kim Soon-ha said she was impressed by not only the cleanliness of the ship, but also at how helpful the Sailors were to her. "They are very nice," said Kim.
Gunners Mate 1st Class Artesha Gadson said she was impressed at the interest shown by the ship tourists.
"They seemed to be really happy to have us visiting here," said Gadson. "They were taking a lot of photos with us. I think events like this help strengthen the relationship we have with each other. I actually had a good time interacting with everyone."
Curtis Wilbur Commanding Officer Commander Paul Hogue said he thought the tour went exceptionally well.
"I think it went very well," said Hogue. "By having tours like this, it offers us a chance to strengthen our alliance with our counterparts."
Operating out of Yokosuka, Japan, Curtis Wilbur is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and the USS George Washington (CV 73) Strike Group.
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