• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Carter Hall Sailors Visit French Ship Courbet

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060221-02
Release Date: 2/21/2006 10:25:00 AM

From USS Carter Hall Public Affairs

ABOARD USS CARTER HALL, At Sea (NNS) -- Several Sailors from the dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and French frigate FS Courbet (F 712) took part in a unique Sailor-swap experience, Feb. 15.

Both ships are part of Combined Task Force 150, which currently conducts maritime security operations (MSO) in the North Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean.

MSO set the conditions for security and stability in the maritime environment. MSO also complement the counter-terrorism and security efforts of regional nations denying international terrorists use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

Each ship cross-decked 10 Sailors so they could experience shipboard life aboard a foreign naval vessel.

During the visit aboard Courbet, U.S. Sailors toured the ship and noticed many similarities to their own. Everyday operations, such as watch standing, maintenance and cleaning were universally familiar.

“The bridge is very high tech,” said Interior Communications Electrician 3rd Class Gregory Pauley, from Virginia Beach, Va. “The control console is all digital and they drive the ship with a joystick. It’s obvious they take pride in their ship because it’s very clean.”

With the visit scheduled during lunch, the visiting Carter Hall Sailors enjoyed a meal consisting of freshly baked French bread, cheese, steamed vegetables and turkey breast.

“The meal was very filling. The French Sailors truly made us feel part of their crew. They’re great ambassadors,” said Navy Counselor 1st Class Yenier Ramirez, a Miami native. “It was by far the most enjoyable time I've had during this deployment.”

While the U.S. Sailors ate French cuisine on Courbet, 10 French Sailors experienced all the U.S. Navy had to offer on Carter Hall.

Assault Craft Unit (ACU) 4 Detachment Delta, embarked on Carter Hall, gave the French Sailors a ride on its two Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) hovercraft, allowing them to see the amphibious side of the U.S. Navy.

After their LCAC rides, the Courbet Sailors toured Carter Hall. Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class Billy Fonfrel, who speaks French fluently, helped escort the French contingent and noted that they seemed to enjoy the American cuisine aboard Carter Hall.

“The French Sailors were happy with the chow served to them,” said Fonfrel.

Senior Chief Machinist's Mate Buz Phillips, who escorted three French engineers around Carter Hall, said the Navy’s cash system, as well as the ship’s store, also impressed the visiting Sailors.

At the end of the visit, with the exchange of laughter, handshakes, and ball caps, Sailors from both ships found a new appreciation for each other.

“While we’re out here ‘working for peace, ready for war,’” said Phillips, quoting the ship’s motto, “it’s nice to know we have allies that we can call upon for support while conducting Maritime Security Operations in the area.”

Carter Hall departed Norfolk, Va. in early November as part of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 8.