US navy ships enter harbour

The USS Nassau and the USS John L. Hall are in Grand Harbour for a short visit this weekend.

The USS Nassau was commissioned in 1979 as the fourth of the navy's Tarawa-class general-purpose amphibious assault ships. It is named for the location of the US Navy and Marine Corps' first-ever amphibious landing, which took place in Nassau, Bahamas, during the US Revolutionary War. Captain James R. Boorujy is the commanding officer.

After several years of hiatus, the USS John L. Hall was the first US Navy ship to return to Malta in 1992. The ship is an Oliver Hazard Perry class guided missile frigate and is named in honour of Admiral John L. Hall, Jr, a decorated veteran of World War II.

Admiral Hall commanded a force charged with patrolling the waters off North Africa and also led a major assault force during the occupation of Sicily. The ship is headed by Commander A.P. Bennett.

The ships arrived yesterday and during their short stay in Malta, crew members will participate in a number of volunteer community assistance activities around the island.