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Honduran President Visits USS Underwood

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060507-06
Release Date: 5/7/2006 3:00:00 PM

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

PUERTO CASTILLA, Honduras (NNS) -- President of The Republic of Honduras, Jose Manuel Zelaya, visited USS Underwood (FFG 36) May 4 for a tour of the ship, to attend a luncheon and to address the crew.

Underwood was anchored in Puerto Castilla, Honduras, for a scheduled goodwill port visit during “Partnership of the Americas.”

Zelaya, along with other distinguished guests, embarked Underwood, making her the first U.S. Navy ship to visit the country of Honduras in many years.

“There is no greater honor for a Navy warship than being chosen to represent our country and host the leader of a foreign nation," said Cmdr. Roderick Fraser, commanding officer of Underwood. “The crew put forth a tremendous effort, it was well rewarded by knowing that our Honduran guests enjoyed their visit to Underwood."

Also aboard with president Zelaya were Vice President Elvin Santos Ordonez, U.S. Ambassador to Honduras Charles Ford and Honduran Chief of Naval Operations Juan Pablo Rodriguez.

"Hosting a large group of foreign dignitaries is a daunting challenge, but the crew was very motivated to show what they can do,” said Fraser. “Events such as this bring out the very best in our talents.”

The president, along with other distinguished guests, ate lunch in the ship's galley.

"The entire food service team put forth a tremendous effort," said Lt. James A. Carlill, Underwood’s supply officer. "After the president of Honduras departed our ship, the entire S-2 division took great pride in knowing that we represented both our ship and our nation well."

Zelaya also toured many spaces aboard Underwood and got a chance to see some of the Navy’s newest technology.

"It was a complete honor to host the president on board. As the first ship to visit Honduras in many years, the entire crew pitched in to ensure that the president and all his guests thoroughly enjoyed their visit." said Lt. Cmdr. Erik R. Horner, executive officer of Underwood. "Although preparations were extensive before the visit, it makes it all worth while to know that we have the opportunity to represent our country."

Zelaya's visit was closed with a speech on the flight deck in which he thanked the Underwood crew for their outstanding efforts of community service and wished the crew fair winds and following seas.

"It was awesome to see the president of Honduras and hear him speak," said Yeoman 2nd Class Anthony L. Gatto. "If the president of Honduras came here to thank us, you know we have to be doing something right."

“I enjoyed our visit to Honduras immensely,” said Fraser. “I am very proud of this crew’s accomplishments during ‘Partnership of the Americas’ and could not ask for a better ship and crew to command. I am very blessed.”

Underwood is operating in the Caribbean Sea as part of the USS George Washington (CVN 73) Carrier Strike Group conducting “Partnership of the Americas,” 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.