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BHR Hosts Vice President

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060527-13
Release Date: 5/27/2006 9:58:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class (SW) Ryan Valverde, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife Lynne Cheney visited USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) May 23 to thank Sailors and Marines of Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 1.

Cheney recognized the contributions of ESG 1’s Sailors and Marines during their recent deployment, in which they provided humanitarian aid to the survivors of the devastating earthquake in Pakistan and conducted combat operations in Iraq.

"You have made your fellow citizens very proud, and it has been my great honor to be in your company today," said Cheney during his speech on BHR's flight deck.

Cheney also thanked ESG 1 Commander, Rear Adm. Michael LeFever, for his leadership during the recent deployment and praised all service members and their families worldwide.

After his remarks, Cheney shook hands with Sailors and Marines in the crowd and made his way to his motorcade, which was waiting on the pier.

After spending nearly six weeks at sea during the routine training cycle, BHR’s crew worked hard to ensure the ship was ready for the Cheney’s arrival.

Seaman Ashley Gaudet, of Berthoud, Colo., from BHR’s Deck Department, said all the extra work was worth the effort.

“It was great to see our hard work pay off and to have the vice president come to visit our ship,” said Gaudet.

Every department aboard BHR played a role in preparing the ship for Cheney’s visit. BHR’s Air Department conducted a rare in-port flight quarters to recover two helicopters days before the visit.

"The crew was very honored and excited to have the opportunity to host the vice president's visit and honor the achievements of ESG 1," said BHR Commanding Officer Capt. Steve Greene. "This crew is known for its enthusiasm and professionalism, and both shined brightly through as we prepared to showcase Vice President and Mrs. Cheney and ESG 1."

The day of the ceremony, BHR embarked more than 4,000 military and civilian guests. Visitors were treated to refreshments and entertainment in the hangar bay prior to the ceremony. The Navy Region Southwest Band entertained visitors on the flight deck with up-tempo rock music and ceremonial music prior to the ceremony.

Cheney’s visit was the first made by a vice president to BHR since she was commissioned in 1998.

BHR is currently in the final stages of her training cycle, preparing for future operations at sea.