Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James II visited the USS Hancock and its 300-plus crew Thursday morning, during a tour of the navy vessel, which is docked at Crown Bay until July 6.
Hancock Cmdr. Robert Dola introduced James to four members of the crew who are Virgin Islanders – Simon Sam and Hilltrude Watts of St. Croix, and Charles Browne and Eric Moorehead of St. Thomas.
"I am happy to see these outstanding young men and women serving their country aboard this fine vessel built to protect and maintain America's strength on the world's oceans," James said. "In addition, this administration is very gratified that the U.S. Navy is now returning to our islands in such large numbers.
"Our thanks go to the many volunteers of the Navy League, the USO and others who work to make the crew's stay a safe and enjoyable one," he said.
After the tour, Dolan presented a commemorative plaque and baseball hat to James.
The ship is docked in between training missions.
James is acting governor while Gov. Charles Turnbull is attending 4th of July ceremonies in Denmark.
