Whittier residents embrace visiting sailors ahead of USS Ted Stevens commissioning
“They literally have the majority, because there are more of them than there are Whittier residents right now”
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Several Whittier residents said they’re excited about the commissioning of the U.S.S. Ted Stevens on Saturday. The navy destroyer has been in port for five days, giving the ship’s 300-plus sailors time to check out both Anchorage and Whittier.
“Everybody that I’ve met has been like so nice and warm and welcoming, which is amazing,” said Jahnea Long, a sailor from Missouri who, like most on the ship, was visiting Alaska for the first time.
The sailors’ presence is exciting for the little town, according to City Manager Jackie Wild.
“We have sailors walking down the street, and you are like: ‘Oh my gosh! They are out!’ And you want to go and buy them coffee and get them out of the rain,” she said.
Local businesses are also welcoming the sailors. Bri Olzenak, one of the owners of the Prince William Sound Salt Company, said they donated locally produced salt to put into 400 goodie bags that went to each crew member. In addition, they created a special salt blend for the ship’s captain.
“We found out that she loves curry, she loves carrots and she’s a vegetarian,” Olzenak said.
The salt is called “Captain’s Curry Blend.”
“We were so honored that we got to present it to her a few days ago.”
At the Anchor Inn, where many locals dine, long-time Whittier resident Garry Gibson said the welcome mat is definitely out for the service members and the thousands of people who are expected to come to town for the commissioning.
“The town has taken this thing up big time,” he said.
“The biggest privilege that I think they are giving to Ted Stevens is to have this ship named after him,” he added. “It’s a great thing and we are proud of that.”
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