By Pepper Fisher
PORT ANGELES – We now know which US Navy vessel will be visiting Port Angeles to help celebrate the Fourth of July with us.
We spoke with US Navy Lt. Alexander Jung on Friday and here’s what he told us.
“Yes, the guided missile Destroyer USS Momsen will be arriving July 3rd to Port Angeles. The USS Momsen is the only Destroyer in the Navy that has spent her entire service life stationed up here in the Pacific Northwest. So, from the time of commissioning onward, we have been stationed in Everett, Washington. So, we’re really native to the region and excited to partake in the Fourth of July festivities.”
Along with the USS Momsen comes about 330 sailors and officers, who will be joining residents all over the downtown area and along the waterfront to help celebrate. They’re even bringing a pie.
“Yes, sir. In fact, we will be entering in the apple pie contest, as well as providing one of the judges.”
Public tours of the USS Momsen will be available on the Fourth from 9:00am to 3:00pm, but Lt. Jung wanted to remind us all that there are few common-sense guidelines for those who wish to go aboard a guided missile Destroyer.
“We just want to make sure everybody knows that if they’re going to attend, they need to bring a valid government ID, wear appropriate clothes with closed-toed shoes…flat-heeled shoes. And then, be aware there’s just no on-site storage. Large bags, including backpacks, diaper bags, large camera bags, those will not be allowed. Small camera bags and small handbags may be permitted, but will be subject to search. Don’t bring any weapons, including knives or firearms or any kind of club weapons, as well as no pepper spray or mace. And then, no fireworks or flammable liquids, and certainly, no drugs or drug paraphernalia.”
Lt. Jung was very clear about why the US Navy wants to visit Port Angeles and celebrate the holiday with us.
“I think we just view this as an opportunity to build a connection between the United States Navy and the residents of Port Angeles. And just, really, we want to show our support for the community and demonstrate our professionalism of the sailors that serve on board the USS Momsen.”