Forward-deployed minesweeper gets new leadership
Lt. j.g. Jack Ryan, USS Patriot public affairs
Seventh Fleet
Posted 02/20/2003
SHIMONOSEKI, Japan -- The forward-deployed minesweeper USS Patriot (MCM 7), made a brief stop in Shimonoseki, Japan, before participating in the bilateral Mine Countermeasures Exercise/Explosive Ordnance Demolition Exercise 2003 (MINEX/EODEX '03).
Patriot is the first U.S. Navy ship to visit the port in more than 35 years. The Mayor of Shiminoseki, the Honorable Mr. Kiyoshi Ajima, greeted the ship at the pier.
"Shiminoseki is thankful to have Patriot and the United States Navy visit our city," he said. "Our history has shown the importance of mine countermeasure warfare for a port city such as Shiminoseki and we welcome you."
Patriot's Commanding Officer, Lt. Cdr. Curt A. Renshaw, extended his gratitude for the welcome and returned his own sentiments, "Thank you and if you would please join me, the crew of USS Patriot would be honored if you joined us on board."
Renshaw escorted the mayor on a tour of the ship and presented him with ship memorabilia. Mayor Ajima presented the ship with flowers and the two exchanged plaques to commemorate the visit.
The annual MINEX/EODEX, hosted by Japan, will focus on integrating the mine countermeasures operations of the two countries with an emphasis on mine location, identification and disposal.
Patriot is forward deployed to Sasebo, Japan.
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