USS Emory S. Land Makes Historic Stop in the Heart of the Pacific: Republic of Palau Visit

The visit to the Republic of Palau by the crew of USS Emory S. Land was a blend of history and natural beauty. “It was only a brief visit, but an unforgettable one,” stated Capt. Brent Spillner, the ship’s commanding officer. His crew was warmly welcomed by the Republic of Palau and its rich cultural heritage.

During the port call at Malakal, the Sailors experienced unique island tours. They explored Palau’s waters through kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling. These activities showcased the vibrant aquatic ecosystems the islands are renowned for. A particular highlight was the kayak tour to Ulong Island. There, the crew viewed ancient Palauan pictographs and delved into the island’s renowned World War II sites, such as Peleliu. “My experience during the Peleliu tour was amazing,” shared Chief Machinery Repairman Rene Antonio Gomez. He praised the Marine Corps Engineer Detachment of the Republic of Palau for their insightful tours, emphasizing areas like the ‘Orange Beach Cemetery’ and ‘Bloody Nose Ridge.’

Before reaching Palau, USS Emory S. Land returned to its homeport in Apra Harbor, Guam, on September 27, after making successful stops in Australia. This deployment is part of its mission to support the U.S. 7th Fleet, the Navy’s largest forward-deployed fleet, which operates with allies to maintain a secure Indo-Pacific region.

Guam hosts the Navy’s only submarine tenders, including the USS Emory S. Land and USS Frank Cable, alongside Los Angeles-class attack submarines. These vessels are vital to providing maintenance and logistical support to both submarines and surface ships in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations. The forward-deployed submarine force, housed in Guam, is integral to fulfilling global naval requirements.