Mackay Port Authority Mackay Port Authority welcomes the USNS John Ericsson... Article first published on Friday, 29 August 2003 @ 8:54:49 AM

More than 60 people on Wednesday night attended a special community reception for the crew of the U.S.N.S John Ericsson at the Mackay Surf Club. The official address was given by Mackay Mayor Julie Boyd, who welcomed Captain Dan LaPorte and his crew to Mackay.


MPA Communications manager Colin Wilson (left) with Captain Dan LaPorte and Mackay Mayor Cr Julie Boyd.
The reception was hosted by the Mackay City Council and the Mackay Port Authority (MPA)

MPA communications manager Colin Wilson said the John Ericsson was a forward command fuel ship that had spent 200 days deploying fuel and supplies to US and Coalition ships during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom in the Persian Gulf.

During the campaign the John Ericsson pumped more than 38 million gallons of fuel and transferred 3700 pallets of cargo to Coalition warships.

“I think you will agree that after 200 days at sea the crew is now looking forward to a well earned rest – and what better place to put your feet up than Mackay,” Mr Wilson told the reception.

Mr Wilson echoed the earlier welcome by Cr Boyd and joined the Mayor in exchanging commemorative plaques with Captain LaPorte.

“I hope you and your crew will enjoy your short stay – but more importantly, I hope when you do set sail, you take with you our best wishes and the knowledge that the bond between our nations is a strong as ever in these trouble times,” he said.

The John Ericsson will leave Mackay on Saturday.