(Tumon, Guam) On February 7, 2020, U.S. Pacific Fleet Command said more than 20 sailors from Guam were serving aboard the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt among a crew of 5,000.
That was the day the aircraft carrier pulled into Apra Harbor, Guam. The following day, sailors from the ship were seen throughout the community conducting beach and dumpsite cleanups.
According to the February 7 news release:
Approximately 6,000 Sailors will be in port Guam during the visit. More than 20 Sailors currently aboard Theodore Roosevelt are from Guam, including Air Traffic Controller 1st Class Jolyn San Nicolas. Those Sailors were given the opportunity to depart the ship first and reunite with their families.
“It’s such a relief to come back home,” said San Nicolas, “While it will be heartwarming to spend time with my family, I'm most excited for our shipmates to be able to experience the culture, food, and scenic areas the island of Guam has to offer; Go to the beach, be adventurous, try new things, and make the most that you can out of this port but most of all be smart and stay safe!” - February 7, 2020
The aircraft carrier has since left Guam from its early-February port visit and did dock in Da Nang, Vietnam. The U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group left its home port in San Diego in January for a forward deployment to U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. As of yesterday, the group was located somewhere in the Philippine Sea.
Lt. j.g. Rachel McMarr with Pacific Command's public affairs office told Kandit this morning she will get back to us, when we asked for updated numbers. We also have asked for the number of sailors aboard the ship, who are from the Northern Mariana Islands.
When asked whether the Roosevelt will be docking at Apra Harbor, she replied "We do not disclose that information for operational security."
Earlier today reporter Paul McCleary with BreakingDefense reported that four more sailors aboard the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt tested positive for COVID-19, and will be airlifted to Guam to join the four who already are here.
That is a total - so far - of eight sailors aboard the ship, who have tested positive. Ms. McMarr, however, was only able to confirm the official count at the original four, which was reported in a news release from Joint Region Marianas Wednesday.
Kandit joins the country in wishing the speedy and full recovery of the infected sailors from the ship, and the continued wellness of their crewmates.
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