SAIPAN - The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) arrived in Saipan for a port visit, Jan. 21, while on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility (AOR).

"McCampbell's visit to Saipan is an excellent opportunity for the crew to experience another wonderful port in our AOR," said Cmdr. Sharif Calfee, McCampbell's commanding officer. "The ship visited Saipan in September 2012, and the crew very much enjoyed that liberty opportunity as well as the community service projects (COMSERV) with the town."

McCampbell will participate in a COMSERV and sporting events, as well as provide ship tours to business and civic leaders during its stay in Saipan, which is the main island of the United States Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. COMSERVs constitute an important avenue to educate McCampbell's Sailors of Saipan's colorful past and distinct culture while also allowing them to contribute to the community.

"Community service projects are a very important aspect of any port visit," said Calfee. "These projects facilitate fantastic opportunities for the crew to directly interact with the community in a very meaningful, personal and important way that enhances relationships between our Sailors and our hosts."

McCampbell Sailors will also get some well-deserved time off to experience all the island has to offer.

"I'm really looking forward to some [time off] with my with my friends in Saipan," said Fire Controlman 3rd Class Joshua Dent, from Tucson, Ariz. "Much like every place I've visited since I joined the Navy, I can't wait to go to the beach, try the food and explore."

Other McCampbell Sailors plan to make the most of their time in Saipan through events organized by the ship's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) committee. These activities range from historical tours of significant World War II sites to scuba diving, snorkeling, and a jungle mystery drive through the lush landscape to explore caves and the stunning cliffs around the island.

McCampbell is part of Destroyed Squadron 15 which is forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan, supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.