LIMA 2012

The second day of operations in Langkawi represented the sum of all the Supply Department's efforts for the last couple of weeks.  It was the USS CURTIS WILBUR's turn to host all the dignitaries from the several dozen nations whose ships were still anchored in the harbor.  First we had to moor at the dock so the leaders would have an easier time boarding our ship.  Unfortunately this event did not go as smooth as it could have with the original brow not settling well on the quarterdeck.  After a couple of adjustments with the rollers at the bottom of the brow on the pier, it was deemed safe.  My Supply Officer was waiting on the pier when the ship arrived with the agent, people and additional material required to start transforming our flight deck into a reception area fit for ambassadors and royalty.

Preparations first centered around setting up a tent to cover the entire surface area of the flight deck.  Once this was completed all the foldable tables and chairs were moved under the tent, assembled and placed.  Table cloths and decorations were placed on top of the tables.  The event was designed to be a buffet style with guests walking through a service line to obtain their food from many different dishes so other setup was not necessary.  A special area for drinks was set up and well stocked and a table for covers was reserved near the brow.  A large decorated cake had been preordered and was placed near the center of the flight deck centered between two large ice sculptures.  The final step was to make sure the portable air conditioners were working.

As the food was being prepared and the crew was changing into their dress whites, titles and formalities were practiced to weed out mistakes.  The schedule was rehearsed for the last time and the crew was given their last chance for questions.  Uniforms were inspected, the food was placed, all positions were covered by well instructed sailors and all that remained was to await the arrival of the first guest.

Among the first to arrive was the US Ambassador to Malaysia, to whom I gave a quick tour of the ship, followed by the Seventh Fleet Admiral.  The guests started arriving shortly after with introductions as they crossed the brow and presented their covers to waiting attendants.  From that point all the usual accompaniments of a formal ceremony were followed.  I had trouble remembering names and even identifying uniforms became rough.  There were civilians from American and foreign companies talking with various Chiefs and Officers and many Officers having pleasant conversations among themselves.

The reception ended as the sun set so we take down most of the tent and remove the tables and chairs.  The event was praised by all.  We were able to represent the United States well and felt proud of this accomplishment.  I looked forward to seeing Langkawi and perhaps a few of the other ships during the next few days.