US sailors to ring Perth tills
Thousands of extra dollars are expected to flow into the tills of Perth bars and restaurants in the coming days as hundreds of US sailors enjoy some "rest and relaxation".
Three of America's naval ships - USS Carl Vinson, USS Bunker Hill and USS Gridley - arrived at Gage Roads yesterday as part of their deployment through the Western Pacific and Middle East.
For more than 5000 sailors who disembarked from the ships at Fremantle, it was the first time they had set foot on land in about eight months.
Rear-Admiral Chris Grady, who commands the strike group, said the stopover in WA would be a highlight for many of the crew.
"Throughout our deployment, we have executed complex missions with lethal precision, extraordinary skill and professionalism," he said. "Now they are looking forward to the warmth and hospitality of WA."
WA Australian Hotels Association boss Bradley Woods welcomed the US Navy's arrival, saying it would provide a boost to the State's economy.
