[Star Traveler]

There used to be a lot of ships visiting Portland, Oregon during the Rose Festival, until 9/11 happened. Then it seemed to go way down. Don’t know what happened...

http://www.rosefestival.org/events/fleet/

[max americana]

A loss for Townsville but a win for Cairns. Either way, Australia tourism gets a boost and our sailors need a break. It’s also good to know that Independence Day for shore leave will be celebrated in a friendly nation.

[Wally_Kalbacken]

US warship turned away as Townsville port is full, strip-clubs and brothels most impacted

[hoosierham]

Seamen spend $350 a day on shore leave?<p.Evidently NOT saving up any of their pay.

[chrisinoc]

The sailors will love Cairns. I was there for four days and wish I was there for four more.

[Rembrandt]

The US Navy doesn’t make reservations two days in advance; it’s normally more like 6 months in advance. This was screwed up by some lefties in the town due to get the money - politics over bucks.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

Even the Powerpuff Girls can’t save the day.

/Had to be said.

[Jeff Chandler]

Too bad for Townsville. Sailors on shore leave tend to spend like... well, you know.

[stylin19a]

3600-strong crew, ...The USS Essex, ...to Cairns for an eight-day shore leave,...and the predicted $10 million injection into the economy.

yikes...so much for the dollar sucking...

[GATOR NAVY]

"Naval visits are always subject to commercial arrangements, and that is a risk you run," Mr Holden said.

Ain't that the truth. I've had to shift berths or moor someplace out of the way many times in many places on port visits.

Last time I was with the ESSEX ARG and we did Tandem Thrust (2001) my ship went to Mackay. ESSEX and the LSD split Townsville and Cairns but I don't remember which one went where. Post-exercise everyone went Brisbane. Good times.