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COMUSNAV South Ship Hosts Guatemalan President

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060213-06
Release Date: 2/13/2006 2:21:00 PM

By Ensign Aaron Arky, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs

USS FORD, at sea (NNS) -- USS FORD (FFG 54) pulled into Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, Jan. 21 to load stores and fuel and ended up enhancing U.S. relations with the Government and Military of Guatemala.

During a visit to Puerto Quetzal, the officers and crew of USS Ford represented the United States during Guatemala’s celebration of their Navy’s birthday. Accepting the invitation of Guatemala’s Commandant of the Navy, USS Ford sent a delegation of officers including the ship’s Commanding Officer to the local navy base there. The event, attended by the President of Guatemala Oscar Berger, and the country’s Minister of Defense, Chief of Staff of the Army, and Commandant of the Navy, included speeches, a review of Sailors and Soldiers, and a waterborne demonstration by the Guatemalan Navy.

Lt. Col. Edward Bonfoey, the Army Attaché from the U.S. Embassy, translated and assisted the ship’s delegation with local military customs and courtesies. Bonfoey also highlighted the significance of Ford’s visit, improving U.S. relations with the Guatemalan government and the Guatemalan Navy.

After speeches noting the rich history, capabilities and future for the Guatemalan Navy, the Guatemalan Sailors broke from their ranks and ran to man their patrol boats, while the army band played patriotic music. The Sailors quickly got their patrol boats underway and a parade of ships began. The patrol boats sailed past and saluted the official party, followed by a fleet of local fishing boats.

Following a reception on base, the official party traveled to the USS Ford for a tour and reception. An impressed president and heads of the military were guided around the ship by the Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Timothy Spratto. Ending the tour on the ship’s bridge, President Berger was presented a plaque of appreciation from Ford, to recognize the occasion of his visit and he expressed gratitude for everything the Ford’s Sailors do.

“I have been close friends with President Bush for quite some time, and I am very grateful for all that you do,” stated President Berger.

“It was an honor to have the president onboard Ford. We enjoyed his visit very much and he appeared to be very impressed with the ship and crew. He thanked us for our service and for the friendship of the United States for his country,” said Spratto.

USS Ford is an Everett, Wash. based Oliver Hazard Perry class frigate currently deployed, serving under Admiral James W. Stevenson, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command.