Photos: USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler officers, crew participate in celebration of 75th anniversary of Ulithi Liberation in Federated States of Micronesia

The USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler and USNS Fast Tempo on September 23 joined U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Kiska at the Ulithi Atoll in the Federated States of Micronesia for the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the islands from the Japanese. The event was held on the Island of Falalop, and in attendance were the officers and crew of USNS Wheeler and USNS Fast Tempo. A luncheon was held aboard USNS Wheeler for dignitaries, including the U.S. ambassador to the Federated States of Micronesia. During World War II, hundreds of U.S. Navy ships, including numerous aircraft carriers, a dry dock and a ship that made ice cream, docked and deployed from Ulithi Atoll. To commemorate the occasion, the USNS Wheeler and the USCGC Kiska brought more than 350 ice cream sandwiches for atoll residents, many of whom had never had ice cream.

Among those participating in the ceremony were (from the USNS Wheeler and USNS Fast Tempo) Captain John Mansfield, Chief Mate Patrick Leahey, Chief Engineer Frank Celino, First Assistant Engineer Shannon Wilson, Second Mate Mark Blom, and PAE Richard Bower; Ambassador Robert Riley, Federated States of Micronesia Governor Henry Falan, FSM Lieutenant Governor John Salalu, Susan Ross (public affairs), Lt. Col. Erin Richter, Lt. Cmdr. Erin Elliott (MPSRON 3), chiefs and elders of Ulithi Atoll, and USCGC Kiska commanding officer and crew.

Captain John Mansfield
Master, USNS VADM K.R. Wheeler