Freo welcomes marines

by Tan Mui Pin

May 5, 2008

The USS Tarawa took up much of Fremantle Port shoreline on the May Day weekend.

Disembarking were 3000 US marines en route to San Diego after a six-month deployment in the Persian Gulf.

Fremantle traders enjoyed the patronage of the military men and women, whose main agenda was spending on food, booze and entertainment. Island tours and volunteering at Cohunu Koala Park were also organised.

Fremantle Council estimates $22 million per year is injected into the city’s economy from such visits.

 “We have definitely seen an increase of people, and they go straight for the games with guns and play it really well!” said Georgina Davis, an employee at South Terrace-based games emporium TimeZone. “They played as if the future of America depended on the game.”

Many marines danced the night away at local nightspots.

“It’s great,” said Hannah Kamal, a bartender at Metropolis night club. “hey come, they drink, they dance and then they tip.”

Gelato was also a big hit as eMU News chatted with several marines waiting in line.

“Perth is a beautiful city, especially after being on ship for four months, it starts to get a little boring,” said staff sergeant Ernesto Velasco from Arizona.

“We’re going on a wine tour tomorrow, but for now we’re looking forward to checking out the night life and chatting with the locals,” said another officer Tom Howton.

Their contribution was not limited to the local economy.

“Given we’re renowned as the ‘port city’, the naval officers give extra colour and life to the vibrancy of Fremantle,” Fremantle mayor Peter Tagliaferri said. “As they explore what we have to offer, they add another component to the multiculturalism we’re already known for.”