By TOM CALLIS
By TOM CALLIS
Tribune-Herald staff writer
The spirit of Aloha was alive and well Friday as about two dozen dancers greeted the crew of the frigate USS Crommelin in Hilo.
Members of the To‘a Here Tahitian Revue, many dressed in coconut bras and colorful skirts, performed several routines for the 190 sea-fairing men and women, who arrived a day prior for the 49th Annual Merrie Monarch Festival.
But they didn’t stop there.
To their surprise, several crew members were pulled from formation to dance before their mates, officers, and representatives of the festival’s royal court.
Though less steeped in tradition, their impromptu moves brought plenty of laughter and applause from the audience, including the native dancers who joined them.
Debi Vierra, one of the dancers, said she was glad to see them let loose and have fun.
“They definitely had a good time,” she said.
Seaman Caleb Leyendecker agreed.
“It was definitely an experience,” he said.
“I think I got a couple of laughs out of everybody.”
Seaman Brock West said he had no idea what he was getting into.
“It was fun,” he added.
“I had a good time.”
The Pearl Harbor-based vessel’s visit, to be its last before it is decommissioned later this year, was also marked with more formal customs.
Rear Adm. Fernandez Ponds and representatives of Hawaii County and royal court exchanged a few light speeches and plaques commemorating the Crommelin’s trip.
The county also declared Friday USS Crommelin Day.
Ponds referred to the visit as an extension of the celebration of hula and a demonstration of the Navy’s commitment “to this very beautiful state and the island chains.”
Other officers also commented later on the warm welcome, with some noting that it blew away their expectations.
“It was amazing,” said Lt. Cmdr. Jeff Smith.
“It was a great opportunity for the ship.”
The 453-foot guided missile frigate will stay in Hilo until Sunday when it heads back to Pearl Harbor with 16 JROTC members.
First Lieutenant Tyler Sharp said the Waiakea High School students will participate in drills and even help with navigation.
Sharp said the ship, which was last in Hilo in 2010, will be decommissioned Oct. 31 after nearly 30 years in service. He said it’s considered to be at the end of its lifespan, adding that ships typically last between two and three decades.
“The cost of maintaining equipment becomes too expensive; the mission changes,” Sharp said.
Before they leave, crew members will also participate in the Royal Parade on Saturday.