Governor Lemanu P. S. Mauga and First Lady Ella Mauga hosted a dinner reception to honor Commander William Ashley and the crew of USS Canberra Monday night at Mauga o Alii.
The USS Canberra (LCS 30) docked in American Samoa on July 1st, 2023 for an overnight stay; however, some circumstances had the crew here longer than expected.
“We are honored to host this reception for the crew of USS Canberra,” remarked Governor Lemanu. “The men and women of the Navy serve our country with distinction, and we are grateful for your service. We welcome you to American Samoa, and we wish you well on your commissioning ceremony and all your future deployments.”
First Lady Ella presented each crew member with gifts.
Commander Ashley thanked Governor Lemanu and the people of American Samoa for the hospitality during their time in the territory.
Commander Ashley also presented a gift to Governor Lemanu and expressed his appreciation for the warm welcome.
One of the crew members, Petty Officer Third Class Deora Tuiasosopo Leomiti, is a native of American Samoa from the villages of Vatia and Pavaia’i. She is the daughter of Derrick Leomiti and Nita Tuiasosopo. Family members attending on her behalf were Maiava Joe Langkilde and Lolua Langkilde.
Petty Officer Tuiasosopo Leomiti mentioned how blessed she was to be home, and was happy to show her Navy friends her beautiful island and some parts of the culture.
USS Canberra is on its way to a commissioning ceremony on July 22, 2023 at the Royal Australian Navy Fleet Base East in Sydney, Australia. It will be the first United States Navy warship to be commissioned in an allied country.
