By "kenlee" from a Hong Kong transport forum :

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USS Nimitz starts routine visit in HK

HONG KONG, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The USS Nimitz started its routine port visit in Hong Kong on Friday and will stay for a few days.

Commander of Carrier Strike Group 11 Rear Admiral Peter H. Daly said at a press briefing on Nimitz that it was a real great pleasure to dock in Hong Kong. Members of the ship consider Hong Kong a favorite port due to its special status as an international city and its unique culture.

He said that young people formed a majority of the crew and most of them were having a trip outside America for the first time. They spent a lot of time learning the culture of other places on board and they were ready to be good ambassadors of America in Hong Kong.

The commander did not tell exactly how many days the ship will stay, but normally the military ships dock in for a few days.

The Nimitz is the lead ship of the world's most powerful and capable class of warships. It's first deployment began in July 1976. The ship is nearly 1,100 feet long and with a tonnage of over 15,000 tons. On the flight deck and in the hangar bay, the air wing operates approximately 70 aircraft.

By "Yau" from a Hong Kong photography forum :

USS John C. Stennis

#1
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#3
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Alot of them also hangout at the China Fleet Club.

You know, I've always wondered, when a US carrier docks at a foreign port, do all its support ships (destroyers, cruisers, fuelers) dock also? If not, are they moored offshore?

We don't usually see that many naval ships dock in Hong Kong at the same time. I think that's a big security risk.

By wilsonjd9020 from a Hong Kong photography forum :

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Source : http://www.fotop.net/yau312

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By yah from a Hong Kong photography forum :

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American warships docking in HK today
19 June 2008
South China Morning Post

The USS Ronald Reagan and other American naval ships will dock in Hong Kong today, unleashing thousands of crew onto the streets for a round of rest and relaxation.

A source said the nuclear-powered Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, along with other battle group ships, would stay for less than a week.

During that time, the crew will shop, catch up with visiting family, and volunteer for local charities.

The US consulate refused to comment yesterday on the aircraft carrier's arrival for security reasons.

The stay is expected to generate millions for the local economy. Cindy Ovana, a waitress at the Bridge, a 24-hour bar in Wan Chai, said business soared by 70 to 80 per cent when large numbers of crew members visited.

Traditionally, a US naval port call means good relations between the Chinese and US militaries.

The Kitty Hawk and its battle group docked in April, five months after Beijing turned it away at the last minute.

The initial rejection saw military ties between the two countries sink to their lowest ebb since the collision between a US Navy spy plane and a PLA jet fighter over the South China Sea in 2001.

June 20, 2008

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source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kamlung/2593788563/in/set-161781/

Nimitz Crew Experiences Hong Kong
Story Number: NNS050613-14
Release Date: 6/13/2005 2:16:00 PM
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=18752

By Journalist 3rd Class Dustin Q. Diaz, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Nimitz (CVN 68) departed Hong Kong June 7 after a four-day port visit, to resume its deployment in support of the global war on terrorism.

In visiting the Chinese metropolis, Nimitz’ crew got the chance to see a unique city and experience a culture few might encounter in other walks of life.

“I think the Navy gives us a great opportunity when we see the world and go to places like Hong Kong,” said Airman John Acuff, 20, a resident of Phoenix. "It really gives me a new outlook on my future.”

Nimitz’ crew enjoyed countless markets and malls for shopping, a wide variety of restaurants and modern public transportation via ferry, an extensive bus route system and the Mass Transit Railway. Some of the more popular sights to see included numerous museums, the world’s largest outdoor bronze Buddha statue and Ocean Park.

“The thing I’ll remember most about Hong Kong is probably the three-story-tall aquarium at Ocean Park,” said Airman Brad Bramhill, 23, from Venicia, Calif. “I’ve never seen anything like that in my life. I started at the top of the tank, and I swear the batteries for my digital camera died before I was able to see the whole thing!”

The ship’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation department offered affordable hotel reservations, tours and golf games for crew members looking to get the most out of their Hong Kong visit.

Nimitz’ Religious Ministries department organized a restoration project at Bayanihan Center, Hong Kong’s public migrant worker assistant center. More than 40 Sailors participated in the community service project.

Nimitz’ Commanding Officer, Capt. Ted Branch, held a Captain’s Call in the hangar bay before the ship got underway, and had nothing but praise for the crew and optimism for the rest of the deployment.

“The way the crew represented the Navy and the United States in Hong Kong was just top-notch,” said Branch. “That goes a long way to making future visits go smoother and reflecting well on our country, too. I couldn’t be more proud!”

For related news, visit the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/cvn68/.

Bars and restaurants left to count the cost
8 October 2010
SCMP

Restaurant, bar and shop owners are bemoaning the lost chance to make millions, following cancellation of the visit by about 7,000 American sailors to Hong Kong this month.

Paul Buxton, who owns bars and restaurants in Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui and Central, says he would have earned HK$3 million from the visit during the Thanksgiving holiday.

"They spend a lot in Hong Kong. They take taxis, they go to Ocean Park, they eat in restaurants and bars," said Buxton, who has prepared orders for food and drinks for American sailors during their previous visits.

He said theAmericans usually spent about US$500 per person a day on shopping and dining during their trips to Hong Kong, which usually lasted for four days. That could amount to HK$109 million in total, and did not include expenses for hotel accommodation as some prefer staying on the aircraft carrier or accompanying battleships.

Buxton said he had not been told that the sailors would cancel their visit this month.

Jody Cheung, managing director of the King Parrot Group which owns several restaurants in the city, also said the Americans were big spenders and usually splashed out about HK$500 each a night purely on drinks.

Simon Wong Ka-wo, president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, said thanks to the good economy and increasing number of mainland visitors, many bars were doing well this year and the cancellation should not have a huge impact on their business.

"But, of course, the American sailors usually spend at least two times more than other tourists," Wong said.

David Mak Siu-yau, committee member of the Wan Chai Bar Association who owns three bars in the district, said he saw fewer sailors drinking in bars when visiting Hong Kong nowadays as some younger ones did not drink as much as older sailors.

"We're in the new era and the younger generation prefers buying electronic gadgets in Hong Kong instead," he said.

taken 2008

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