USS Emory S. Land visits Saipan

The USS Emory S. Land is on Saipan for a port visit and training, having arrived amid increased calls for military tourism by CNMI Governor Arnold Palacios. The Land visits Saipan with 400 military personnel and over 100 civilians.

She's one of two submarine tenders in the U.S. Navy and is homeported on Guam. Captain Brent Spillner, the Land's commanding officer, told KUAM News, "Coming to Saipan gives me a chance to be in a port without the Navy infrastructure and to simulate being in another port. And while we are here for three days we are going to rehearse the same operations we do if we had a unit come in and meeting us here."

The visit comes after the new administration pivoted away from China towards an aggressive push for military tourism.  "It is not specifically in response to any changes in political climate although I am very happy to hear they want us here because we love being here," Capt. Spillner continued.

Lieutenant Governor David Apatang said, "We need all the help here and visiting our business here in our community, patronize our restaurants, and all of our markets here."

Also on board is a son of Saipan - Chief Petty Officer Kevin Barbo, a gunner's mate. It's hist first visit home with the Navy.  "I got my family waiting for me in the parking, just waiting to come and see me," he shared. He turns 30 years old on Wednesday and looks forward to resting and showing his friends around island, he's also mission-ready in a tense Indo-Pacific. 

"A message for the people here, back home: you guys are in good hands," he said.