Sailors from USS Bataan, a multipurpose amphibious assault ship home-ported in Norfolk, hosted 26 veterans and their family members for a special two-hour tour and luncheon held onboard the ship on Friday.

During the visit, veterans who served in World War Two, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War, came aboard Bataan for a tour of the ship’s spaces and capabilities. The guests were also treated to lunch in the wardroom, where more than 50 sailors and marines of all ranks shared the meal and listened to the veterans’ stories.

Bataan, which is named for the Battle of Bataan and the Bataan Death March, has been actively engaged in several events commemorating the 70^th anniversary of the battle, which lasted three months, and resulted in more than 75,000 Filipino and American troops being taken prisoner and forced to endure a 65-mile march without food, water, medical treatment or adequate rest. Many of the prisoners died en route to POW camps. Others spent years imprisoned in harsh conditions.

“It’s very important to us to honor the rich legacy of the men and women who served this country before us,” said Capt. Erik Ross, the Bataan’s commanding officer. “This visit is just a small way for sailors to show their appreciation for the hard work and deep personal sacrifice of local veterans who preserved our freedom.”

During the meal, Capt. Ross made some brief remarks, and then the ship’s guests sat with groups of sailors and marines, who were able to ask questions about the veterans’ experiences and lives. Both the veterans and the junior active duty members saw and felt the benefits of the visit.

“I am always willing to come out and talk to people about what the war was like,” said Suffolk’s Bob Pocklington, a retired Army combat engineer who went ashore at Omaha Beach on D-Day, and who fought his way across Europe in 11 months of continuous frontline service. “Too many people don’t know the history of our service. This was a way to interest young sailors and marines in how it was.”

Pocklington was one of a couple of Suffolk people to visit the ship. Bataan’s officers and crew have made the city a favorite destination in recent years, as they’ve frequently attended a monthly breakfast at Bunny’s Restaurant, where Bataan survivors and their friends and family have gathered to share memories and camaraderie.

“All of the vets had amazing stories to tell about their lives,” agreed Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) Second Class Brandon Douglas. “I really had a great time, and I think I learned a lot about what it took to serve our country then.”

Following the success of this visit, sailors aboard Bataan are already looking for other ways to reach out to veterans in the community. Bataan is currently in home port, conducting a post-deployment maintenance availability.