Ship's Visit by the Fgura, Paola and Qrendi Scouts aboard USNS LEROY GRUMMAN

On Sunday 30th November 203, no fewer that twenty scouts from the Fgura, Paola and Qrendi Scouts accompanied by their leaders, visited the USNS Leroy Grumman, a United States Navy “Oiler” that had just completed repair works at the Malta Shipyards.

The Leroy Grumman, forms part of Military Sealift Command's Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force that is the lifeline to U.S. Navy ships at sea, providing fuel, food, spare parts and other supplies. Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force, or NFAF, ships enable the Navy fleet to operate at the highest operational tempo possible, and provide underway replenishment services to U.S. Navy ships worldwide alleviating the need for them to constantly return to port for supplies.

Military Sealift Command's Naval Fleet Auxiliary Force Program is composed of fleet ocean tugs, fast combat support ships, oilers, combat stores ships and ammunition ships plus two hospital ships that are kept in a reduced operating status. Besides delivering supplies at sea, NFAF ships also conduct towing and salvage operations and serve as floating medical facilities.

The Maltese Scout contingent were met at the gangway by the ship’s purser who took his Maltese scout guests to the vessel’s bridge where they were welcomed aboard by the Ship’s Captain Richard A. Gray, who gave details on his ship and explained its role. The Scout contingent was later given the opportunity to tour and see for themselves the various ship departments, most important in the ship’s operation.

The intensive ship’s tour was made available by the Paola Group Scout Leader, Naval Engineer Mario Frendo and through the excellent relationships that exist between the Scout Association of Malta, the American Embassy and the American Naval Authorities.

Thanking the Captain for allowing their scouts to tour the USNS Leroy Grumman, the Fgura, Paola and Qrendi Group Scout Leaders, Robert Gonzi, Mario Frendo and David Schembri respectively, presented him with their group’s scarf and baseball cap together with a Malta History Brochure, in recognition of their visit.

All present took the advantage to wish the Captain and the ship’s crew, fair winds and fine sailing.