Commander, Task Force 51 Bids Farewell to Camp Patriot
Navy Newsstand
Story Number: NNS030509-10
Release Date: 5/11/2003 5:38:00 PM
By Journalist 1st Class Joseph Krypel, Camp Patriot Public Affairs
CAMP PATRIOT, Kuwait (NNS) -- Following more than five months of operations in the area, Rear Adm. W. Clyde Marsh, Commander, Task Force (CTF) 51/Amphibious Group 3, bids farewell to the shore-based forces of Camp Patriot, and his friends at Kuwait Navy Base.
During his final visit to Camp Patriot and Kuwait Navy Base, Marsh paid a visit to Kuwait's Chief of Naval Forces, Maj. Gen. Ahmed Y. Al-Mulla. While speaking together, both naval leaders expressed their continued support for one another and looked backed upon the early days of their fledgling friendship.
"It has been the experience of a lifetime," commented Al-Mulla, "... and it is important for you to remember that you will always have friends in Kuwait."
"We certainly have appreciated your hospitality, your support and friendship," replied Marsh. "Without your friendship and leadership, our operations here would not be possible."
Marsh and Al-Mulla exchanged gifts prior to leaving one another; Marsh being presented with a Kuwaiti Flag and ball cap, and presenting a signed recent photo of the amphibious big deck carriers in formation in the North Arabian Gulf.
Accompanied by members of his core staff, and Commander, Camp Patriot, Capt. Donald P. Cook, Marsh took an opportunity to take one last look around Kuwait Navy Base. Touring from north to south, Marsh viewed wash-down operations and backloads currently underway by the Marines of Amphibious Task Force East, as well the fully operational Elevated Causeway System-Modular constructed by the Gator Bees of Amphibious Construction Battalions (ACB) 1 and 2.
Spending time with the troops has always been an important part of Marsh's leadership, and his last visit would be no different, as he dined with the more than 3,000 joint-servicemen and women here at the Camp Patriot food court.
Following lunch, Marsh held an all-hands Admiral's Call at one of the recently completed tension fabric tents owned and constructed by ACB-1.
"You have set the standard," Marsh told the hundreds of assembled troops. "As the gatekeepers to Kuwait and Iraq, you had anchorages to take care of and lighterage to run - and you have handled your duties and yourselves better than anyone could have expected."
Marsh went on to tell his troops here that the records that have been set, and the coalition building that has been performed at Camp Patriot will forever be in the hearts of their shipmates, their Navy and their nation.
"It would take an entire afternoon to run down the list of your accomplishments," continued Marsh. "But know that you all here have become the model for Maritime Prepositioning Force operations, base camp operations, and joint and coalition operations. You have written history, and we are all very proud of you!"
In wrapping up his comments, Marsh told the residents of Camp Patriot, "I am personally proud of each and every one of you. I would be proud to shake the hand of each and every one of you - Well done!"
And that is nearly what he did. Following the Admiral's Call, Marsh made himself available for handshakes and photo sessions with any and all residents who wanted to participate.
Storekeeper 3rd Class Tat Tam, 32, from Baltimore, Md., jumped at the opportunity, saying that the heartfelt words of Marsh really hit home for him. "By coming back to Camp Patriot, where he started this deployment, he proved to us that our efforts have never been underplayed - that really means a lot to me," said Tam.
Lt. Cmdr. Johnny Adams, supply officer for Camp Patriot, said, "It's extremely considerate of the admiral to come here to personally thank all the troops - from the top, down. That's just the kind of man he is."
Marsh will be succeeded as CTF-51 by Capt. Kenneth Golden, Commander, Amphibious Squadron 1, once he has departed the theater of operations.
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