Making their way from Tahiti, the Peruvian ship BAP Union sailed 29 days to port here on Guam this morning ready to immerse themselves in the island culture, enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation, and engage in community service projects. KUAM News was there when the ship docked at Naval Base Guam and has this report on ship's world journey.

Docking in Sumay early Wednesday morning was the BAP Union. With its huge white and majestic sails adorned with flags, and the proud midshipmen and crew standing tall while festive music blared in the background. The BAP Union is a symbol of national pride.

Commanding officer Captain José Arce explained, "Back in 2012, the president funded the construction of this beautiful ship. We didn't buy it from another navy or another country, it was built in our shipyards, made by Peruvian workers, by Peruvian hands, with Peruvian tools. And Peruvian expertise."

The construction of the BAP Union took almost four years to complete. In January 2016, the Peruvian tall ship was commissioned. The voyage is part of its world training deployment for its Peruvian Naval Academy and will take the 97 midshipmen and crew of 247 around the world over the next several months traveling 34,000 nautical miles. 

During this journey, the sailboat will visit 20 ports in 16 countries on the five continents to include Tahiti, Tokyo, Busan, Shanghai, and Bombay. And once they cross the Suez Canal, the adventure will lead them to parts of Egypt, Italy, Greece, France, Spain, and Jamaica. Their travels will conclude once they reach the Panama Canal and return to Peru.

The last circumnavigation was 167 years ago for the Peruvian Navy. "Every year, the entire class embarks on a unit and gets the training- academic training, on hands, on deck training of the ship and go places to see our allies and see different cultures and see how the world is outside of our own homes. This is the first circumnavigation of the ship," noted Captain Arce.

"What we think is the most important part of it is the soft core of development that we can provide- forge their character and talk to people and see this beautiful island," he added.

Welcoming Arce and the crew was Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, who said, "In standing here reflecting the importance of our ally, the importance of our nation, to ally with the Peruvian ship, and with Peru in the protection of our waters. Although Peru is thousands of miles from us, we share the Pacific Ocean. Our culture and tradition, our warmth and our kindness, and generosity of our people, are the same!"

While here on Guam, the crew will dive into the island culture with tours, enjoy some rest and relaxation, and take part in community service projects. Also, the island community is invited to tour the BAP Union.

Tours will take place Thursday, Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (last pick up: 12 noon) and on Friday, Aug. 18 from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (last pick up: 5 p.m.)

Tours are open to ages 8 and over. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and avoid wearing high heels or carrying large bags or backpacks. Transportation to the ship will depart from the visitors control center outside NBG every hour, on the hour. Meet at least 15 minutes prior to departure.