The Navy League of the United States, Minnesota Council had a tremendous weekend with the crew of USS Minneapolis Saint Paul (LCS 21). The Council developed a robust schedule of events, funded the crew visit and the VP Adopted Units, Brian Skon escorted the crew to the many events over the weekend.
It was a whirlwind weekend for Cmdr. Justin Neff, Commanding Officer USS Minneapolis Saint Paul and his crew. The crew included his senior enlisted CMDCS Ariel Ampier; HT1 Terry Oliver - Sailor of the Year; ET2 Adam Rowicki - Junior Sailor of the Year; and EN3 Makayla Lewis - Blue Jacket of the Year. These sailors were the best USS Minneapolis Saint Paul Sailors and their poise and professionalism was evident in the many events they attended.
The crew arrived Friday November 10 and immediately went to a Salute to Service Basketball game at the University of Minnesota where they were recognized at center court during halftime. Following the basketball game, the crew headed to Herbies on the Park to participate in Como Park’s Marine Corps JROTC Marine Corps Birthday Ball. They were able to witness Cadet Anthony Landaverde Guillen being awarded the highest award for achievement in the Marine Corps JROTC for the Northwest Region with the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement. Cadet Landaverde is the only Marine Corps JROTC cadet to receive this award this year in the Northwest Region.
Veterans’ Day began with the crew appearing on KARE 11, the local NBC affiliate, where they talked about their visit and the thrill of visiting their namesake cities. After this the crew visited Twin Cities Squadron Sea Cadets where they saw firsthand cadets working on marksmanship, firearms safety, cleaning and maintenance, and dry fire laser training. What a tremendous opportunity for both the crew and the cadets to talk one on one about their careers and cadet aspirations. The evening was filled with a dinner with the United States Naval Academy Glee Club and their concert with the Minnesota Orchestra.
The final day of their visit to Minneapolis/Saint Paul was an interview with KSTP 5, the local ABC affiliate, where Cmdr. Neff talked about the friendliness of the people of Minnesota and the highlights of their visit. The crew’s afternoon was at US Bank Stadium to see the Minnesota Vikings football game. They participated in the Salute to Service with the Joint Service Color Guard and Marine Corps Silent Drill Team. The best thing was they were able to witness a Vikings win against the New Orleans Saints 27-19. We hope they left as Vikings fans. The evening was capped off with a dinner at Cossetta's in St. Paul.
The USS Minneapolis Saint Paul team returned to Mayport on November 13. The Minnesota Council is excited for their next visit and being to show them more of Minnesota and the friendly people here!!
Media Contact
Patricia Dolan,
VP Communications, Minnesota Navy League
703-851-5684
