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George Washington Strike Group Commander Visits USS Underwood

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060503-12
Release Date: 5/4/2006 4:00:00 AM

By Journalist Seaman Charles A. Ordoqui, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS UNDERWOOD, At Sea (NNS) -- Rear Adm. Joseph K. Kilkenny, commander, USS George Washington (CVN 73) Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) visited USS Underwood (FFG 36) April 29 to speak with the crew and explain the importance of their involvement in exercises and operations during "Partnership of the Americas."

Kilkenny also toured the ship, ate lunch with the crew and ended his visit with an "admiral's call" for all hands on the flight deck to answer any questions the crew had.

"Having the strike group commander come over in person to meet the crew is a great morale booster,” said Cmdr. Roderick Fraser, Underwood’s commanding officer. “The interaction during the admiral’s call on the flight deck really pressed home the importance of the Partnership of the Americas mission and the important part each Sailor plays in that mission."

Kilkenny listened to the crew's concerns and answered their questions regarding their current involvement in Partnership of the Americas and other current Navy policies.

"I was truly touched by his concern for our involvement in the mission," said Chief Cryptologic Technician (Technical) (SW) Ricardo Alonzo.

Just before his departure, Kilkenny gave the crew some final words of encouragement.

“I like to take every opportunity to come see you guys and thank you for your service," said Kilkenny.

“My officers and crew are doing a great job, but it is always nice to hear that from the admiral,” said Fraser.
Partnership of the Americas is a training and readiness deployment of U.S. naval forces with countries from the Caribbean and Latin America, in support of U.S. Southern Command objectives for enhanced maritime security.

Underwood and the other GWCSG assets are operating with various countries' forces while focusing on unconventional threats such as narco-terrorism and human trafficking.

Underwood will return to her homeport in Mayport, Fla., later this spring.