|
Fort McHenry Receives Thanks from Former Presidents
Story Number: NNS050223-13
Release Date: 2/23/2005 5:21:00 PM
By Journalist 3rd Class David J. Ham, USS Fort McHenry Public Affairs
OFF THE COAST OF BANDA ACEH (NNS) -- Former presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton visited Sailors and Marines aboard USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) Feb. 20, as they finished humanitarian relief efforts in tsunami-ravaged Southeast Asia.
After stepping off of a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter, both former chief executives were greeted by a proud crew of Sailors and embarked Marines.
Fort McHenry Commanding Officer Cmdr. Mark Weber and Commander of the embarked Marines Col. Steve Busby, were up front and greeted both men.
“It was neat to see the two of them [Bush Sr. and Clinton] together,” said Quartermaster 2nd Class Amanda Faucette. “It really goes to show that what we’ve done out here has really made an impact.”
Both former presidents regarded the devastation of the tsunami as shocking.
“You really can’t appreciate the scope of the disaster until you have seen it,” said Clinton.
Bush said the rapid response to send out ships to help in the relief efforts was amazing, and the generous support of the American people to this region, pretty much speaks for itself.
Clinton said the leaders of Thailand and Indonesia have shown a great amount of gratitude towards the United States for the tireless efforts that the military has shown during the time of need that has been evident since the tsunamis hit the area.
“[The Thai and Indonesian government and people] have gone out of their way to say how much they appreciate the support that has been provided by the United States [military] forces.”
Bush and Clinton said they are very grateful for the tireless efforts they have seen by members of the Blue/Green team, and wished that every American could see the hard work and dedication during this humanitarian relief operation.
Fort McHenry’s commanding officer agreed.
“I am tremendously proud of the entire crew and embarked personnel in support of this visit and their extraordinary efforts over the last two months to relieve the suffering of tsunami victims following this horrific disaster,” Weber said. “The former presidents’ visit was a rewarding afternoon and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our fine Sailors and Marines enjoyed immensely by all, and I am sure it will never be forgotten.”
Fort McHenry is a dock landing ship forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan, and part of the forward-deployed USS Essex (LHD 2) Amphibious Ready Group. The ship departed Sasebo Jan. 2 in support of Operation Unified Assistance. Fort McHenry alone delivered more than 1.2 million pounds of water, food items and clothes. Fort McHenry also delivered more than 2,000 pounds of supplies personally collected by communities within Fleet Activities Sasebo. Medical teams embarked on Fort McHenry provided medical care to 97 people and dental care to 58.
For related news on Navy tsunami relief operations, visit the Focus on Tsunami Relief Operations page at www.navy.mil/local/tsunami.
For related news, visit the Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/ctf76.
E-mail this story to a friend | Send
a comment about this story
|
|
