U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Navy Sign Statement of Principles
Story Number: NNS040227-04
Release Date: 2/27/2004 10:22:00 AM
By Chief Journalist Walter T. Ham IV, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs
WASHINGTON (NNS) -- In a Feb. 26 ceremony in the Pentagon, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Vern Clark and Australian Chief of Navy Vice Adm. Christopher Ritchie signed a statement of principles for enhanced cooperation between the U.S. Navy and Royal Australian Navy on matters relating to maritime surface warfare capability.
Clark signed a similar statement related to submarine warfare with Ritchie’s predecessor at the Washington Navy Yard Sept. 10, 2001, one day before terrorist attacks on America shifted the focus of the nation and the Navy to the war on terrorism.
“In the days since that last agreement, we’ve certainly seen the requirement and the importance of partnership, whatever the mission,” Clark said. “I want you to know that we’re just thrilled that we get a chance to take this just a step further with the signing of this statement.”
According to Ritchie, the success of the submarine statement paved the way for the surface warfare statement.
“We’re doing this for one reason: because the submarine one has been so successful. It has really helped us to do the things that we wanted to do with the submarine force, and we’re much appreciative of that,” Ritchie said," adding that allies like the United States and Australia have proven the benefit of close cooperation in the post-Sept. 11 world. “It is even more important that we remain close together.”
