Sailors assigned to the Pearl Harbor-based Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Reuben James (FFG 57) visited Hilo, Hawaii, April 3-5, during the 45th annual Merrie Monarch Festival.

The annual festival, which is centered on a series of hula dancing competitions, promotes the art of hula dancing and the Hawaiian culture.

The ship's three-day port visit served as a unique opportunity for Reuben James Sailors to learn more about Hawaiian culture, the art of hula and interact with the local community during the celebration.

Shortly after their arrival to Hilo, Sailors ventured to Mooheau Park and participated in a community relations clean-up project. The Sailors spent the morning power-spraying the walls of the bus terminal and bandstand to help beautify the park and restore the Mooheau Bus Terminal, one of the city's major bus stops.

The hula competition took place at Edith Kanaka'ole Tennis Stadium, and was the centerpiece of the week's festivities. Reuben James Sailors were given the opportunity to watch the competition, which is recognized worldwide for its historic and cultural significance to Hawaii.

Hula dancers and local members of the community officially welcomed the Pearl Harbor-based Sailors to the celebration on April 4 during a pier-side ceremony.

Following the welcome ceremony, the Rueben James Sailors presented the Merrie Monarch Festival participants with a ship plaque and received a plaque from the Hilo Council Navy League and the Office of the Mayor of Hilo for their involvement during the festival.

Committee members and the "Royal Court" then joined the crew aboard Reuben James for a luncheon and a tour of the ship.

"The Navy has been part of the festival since it started and the aloha has always been there," said George De Mello, office committee chairman for the Merrie Monarch Festival. "We truly appreciate having the Navy come in and participate in the festival."

The Merrie Monarch Royal Parade through downtown Hilo, April 5, was the final event for the Sailors. The parade featured the many cultures of Hawaii with more than 100 various local organizations participating. Reuben James Sailors represented the Navy as they marched through downtown Hilo, shaking hands and waving to the thousands

of people in the streets.

Cmdr. Joseph Naman, commanding officer of Reuben James, thanked the people of Hilo for the hospitality they showed to Sailors throughout the week.

"The support we received from the Hilo community was incredible. They made us feel like part of their family," said Naman. "The festival and all its events were an excellent experience that gave the crew a chance to get in touch with the Hawaii culture."