First off my apologies for not updating this blog in a few days. When we are in port we are let out at 0900 and don't get back to ship til 2400 and finding time to write is difficult.
Where do I begin with Saipan? My sister asked me which port was my favorite so far and Saipan takes the cake by a long run. If you don't know where Saipan is it is located 100 mi. north of Guam in the Northern Marianas Islands. Saipan is among the islands that were fought over during WW2 and over 20,000 American soldiers lost their lives while claiming the land. The island is set among crystal clear blue tropical waters with reefs that stretch up to a mile offshore. The island itself is full of tropical vegetation and is relatively flat with a few bluffs and one "mountain." About 16 miles around, we were able to experience Saipan fully in the 2 days off the ship. I was on watch coming into the port and was able to experience what it was like to work with a Pilot (the local man who comes on board and directs the ship movements into the harbor) and test my skills and close quarters maneuvering. Our ship was greeted by the local tourist agency which had a line of island dancers dancing to the local island music. It was very nice to have such a warm welcome and we felt more at home here than in any other port. The captain of the ship was stationed here in Saipan on board one of the Ready Reserve Ships just offshore and was best friends with what seemed like half the island. Once onshore we had to walk, again, about 30 minutes to get to the downtown and tourist area where we spent the entire first day. The downtown area is nothing but a lot of rundown old garment factories, classless bars, and dirty strip clubs. However the hotels provided an oasis amongst the poverty with everything you expect from a world class resort. We hit the beach (1st picture), which had white sands and palm trees with cabanas and a tiki bar. The water was just a little too warm and the sun could roast you in a second. All the CMA guys had the barkeep busy all day as we enjoyed the wonderful paradise with an occasional and refreshing downpour. After a good 6 hours on the beach we headed inland, burnt and tired to the captains bar, the Godfathers. We were welcomed with 50% off everything in the bar, an island jam band was playing in our honor and the place was packed with old sailors and cadets all laughing and telling the stories of the sea. After a good night out on the town we got a ride back with some friendly local girls that we had met earlier in the evening.
V/R,
CDT Jonathan Anderson
Squad Leader, Division 6 MT
Corps of Cadets
California Maritime Academy
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