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USS Nicholas Departs Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Navy Newsstand

Story Number: NNS031001-12

Release Date: 10/1/2003 8:08:00 PM

From U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs

BOSNIA (NNS) -- The guided-missile frigate USS Nicholas (FFG 47) left the port city here Sept. 29, following three days of hosting tours and receptions, and its Sailors participating in ceremonies, concerts and sports matches. Adm. Gregory Johnson, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe, also visited Neum during the ship's stay to meet with a number of political and military leaders.

The visit by Nicholas was the first by a foreign ship since 1914. During their visit, American Sailors became goodwill ambassadors in a country whose future is promising, after a lengthy and violent war destroyed much of the infrastructure in the early-1990s.

"The warmth of our welcome takes my breath away," said Cmdr. Chan Swallow, Nicholas' commanding officer. Approximately 200 crew members of Nicholas also had a chance to sightsee, shop and enjoy recreational activities. Tours to Mostar, a city an hour north of Neum, and Medjugorje, a town famous for its claims of Virgin Mary apparitions, were arranged for the crew.

Swallow and his crew, who are approximately mid-way through their six-month deployment in the Mediterranean, called this mission a "dream cruise." Prior to this visit, they have been fortunate to visit other countries, such as Russia and Denmark.

Before the ship's arrival in Neum, Quartermaster 3rd Class Ellic Mottram handmade a country flag in honor of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The flag was flown from the ship during the first two days of the visit. At a reception Sept. 25 hosted by U.S. Ambassador Clifford Bond, Swallow presented the flag to one of the three presidents for Bosnia and Herzegovina, President Sulejman Tihic. This gesture of friendship from the crew of Nicholas evoked evident emotion in the sizeable audience.

The U.S. 6th Fleet Band, headquartered in Naples, Italy, also traveled to Bosnia and Herzegovina for the port call, performing at a shipboard reception, as well as the reception hosted by Bond. Their presence added yet another festive flavor to the weekend.

This visit was possible due to the "hard work of Ambassador Bond and kind invitation of the Bosnian and Herzegovinian presidency . it gave our Sailors an opportunity to visit this wonderful city and enjoy the warm hospitality," said Johnson.

During a press conference Sept. 25 with Bond, Johnson spoke about the significance and timeliness of the visit, occurring just days after the country came to an agreement on their defense reform, previously a significant obstacle for their way to "Partnership for Peace" and entry into the Euro-Atlantic nations. He emphasized that this visit was relaying to the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina the message that the United States stands firmly behind the leadership of their country.

"Even though it has been 89 years since the last warship, I can assure you that it will not be another 89 years before the next," said Johnson.