the
SHUTTLE USS Enterprise (CVN 65) - Monday June 27, 2011
Bienvenidos a
PALMA
BIG ‘E’ TRAVEL GUIDE EDITION Flag of Palma and Mallorca
Monday, June 27, 2011
the SHUTTLE
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Enterprise News
Mission of liberty brings great responsibility, abroad and at home
By MC3 Nick C. Scott
USS Enterprise Public Affairs
USS ENTERPRISE, At Sea – Sailors aboard USS Enterprise (CVN 65) will visit Palma, Spain, after completing a 73-day underway period in support of maritime security operations in the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. This well-earned port visit will be the last liberty call for Enterprise crew members before the carrier begins the final stretch of its journey across the Atlantic Ocean to its homeport in Norfolk, Va. During all hands calls with Capt. Dee L. Mewbourne, commanding officer of Big ‘E’ and Command Master Chief Oxley, Enterprise Sailors were encouraged to take advantage of the beauty of Palma and the island of Mallorca, but to also remember the need to set a good example while exploring the famed Spanish vacation destination. “Our liberty mission is as important as any other mission,” said Mewbourne. “You have the opportunity to show the best of America to our hosts.” The carrier’s Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) division has organized a variety of events that include wine tasting, kayaking, hiking, and other tours for crew members to discover the historic countryside of Palma. While these tours offer Sailors and Marines a unique opportunity to explore the culture and beauty of the Spanish isle, Big ‘E’ crew members must keep in mind that they are guests of their host country and are ambassadors to
the United States. “A good guest is considerate of his hosts and respects them,” said Mewbourne, who emphasizes three keys to success during liberty in Palma: have the knowledge, have a plan and stay with your liberty buddies. Chief Electronics Technican Aron J. Wilms, Enterprise’s Drug and Alcohol Prevention and Abuse (DAPA) program chief, warns that summer is “party mode” in Palma, so Sailors and Marines must exercise good judgment when they are out with their liberty buddies. Sailors should never leave their drinks unattended and always be mindful
of their surroundings. Sailors and Marines who do not fully appreciate the liberty mission may suffer consequences that will affect them upon returning to homeport, and even before. “Sailors currently on restriction will not be able to host family and friends during the upcoming Tiger Cruise even if they have been approved,” said Chief Operation Specialist (SW/AW/SS) Brian C. Wemmerus, an Enterprise Tiger Cruise coordinator. “If you end up on restriction, it doesn’t just hurt you, but could impact your Tigers as well,” said Wemmerus, who said they could
lose out on travel and registration fees. “I encourage people to go out and explore safely and to keep their liberty buddies with them,” said Master at Arms 1st Class (SW) Orenthan K. White. “Don’t take who you are and where you are for granted, though. Remember to be careful what you talk about in public, such as our homecoming, as operational security is a high priority as always.” “We are out there to look after our shipmates, but it is the duty of every Sailor and Marine to watch out for themselves and each other,” said White.
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ABOUT
Monday, June 27, 2011
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The city of Palma is the largest city and port on the island of Mallorca. It is the capital of the Balearic Islands, which is a province of the Kingdom of Spain. Its population stood at 401,270 as of 2009. Almost half of the total population of Mallorca lives in Palma. Mallorca is the largest island of Spain and as with all the Balearic Islands, a very popular travel destination in Europe. In fact, it serves as the yearly summer destination for the royal family of Spain. Leaders from the past have left their mark on Palma, with imposing and impressive buildings, including the wonderfully detailed Le Seu Cathedral. With narrow, clean streets, quiet courtyards, a harbor front and many restored historic buildings, it is always enjoyable to walk around the city of Palma. Palma has the highest concentration of shops on the island and there are many outlets that cater toward most visitors to Mallorca. These include local shops selling handicrafts such as embroidery, basketwork, wooden bowls, handpainted plates, and high-quality simulated pearls, which are widely associated with Mallorca.
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The legal drinking age in Palma is 18. Public intoxication is a crime in Palma and any signs of intoxication may lead to arrest. The biggest threats are bag-snatchers and pickpockets. Thieves are very skilled, so be particularly careful with hand baggage. Wear a bag or camera across your body, or even use a concealed money belt.
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Spanish legislation makes it illegal to smoke in many public places. Furthermore, the rights of nonsmokers tend to prevail over the right to smoke. Summer is “party mode” in Palma. Drugs can be a factor in Palma and can be mixed into drinks that aren’t watched. Do not leave your drink left unattended at clubs.
CURRENCY • Spain’s currency = Euro • 1.42 U.S. Dollars = 1.000 EUR • 1.00 U.S. Dollar = .703 EUR
***IMPORTANT*** KEEP ALL OF YOUR CREDIT AND DEBIT CARD RECEIPTS WHEN SHOPPING!