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Secretary of Defense Recognizes McCampbell Crew in Singapore

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060613-13
Release Date: 6/13/2006 7:17:00 PM

By Ensign Paco Ramirez, USS McCampbell Public Affairs

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- Exactly five months after her departure from San Diego, USS McCampbell (DDG 85) and her crew had the distinct honor of a visit from Secretary of Defense Donald H. Rumsfeld, June 4.

Among the distinguished guests in attendance were Patricia Herbold, U.S. ambassador to Singapore, Assistant Secretary Peter Rodman, Defense Department Public Affairs and Assistant Secretary Dorrance Smith, Defense Department International Security Affairs. Additionally, the four Navy ships and Coast Guard cutter participating in the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Exercise also joined McCampbell for the event.

“I'm here to look you in the eye and thank you for your service to the country," Rumsfeld told the crew. "The importance of peace and stability and prosperity for the people of this region is something that you contribute to and we appreciate it."

Flanked by row after row of Service Dress White clad sailors, Rumsfeld frocked 28 McCampbell and four Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (Light) (HSL) 49 Air Detachment Sailors, presided over the reenlistment of five crew members and awarded the crew the Iraqi Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon for their accomplishments throughout their 98 day tour in the Persian Gulf.

“It is a distinct privilege to have Secretary Rumsfeld take time out of his schedule to recognize these proud Americans for their service,” said Cmdr. Vincent McBeth, McCampbell’s commanding officer. “Following five months of deployment in the service of our country, it is especially fitting that on this day - 64 years after the Battle of Midway - we should have an opportunity to celebrate our naval heritage with this honorable man and great American.”

Before the official ceremony took place, Rumsfeld took the time to promote four McCampbell officers to lieutenant on the ship’s bridge wing. Lt. Dan Polese, a helicopter pilot from the embarked Air Detachment, was among the four promoted.

“It’s an interesting memory to have because normally, officer promotions are low-key ceremonies,” Said Polese. “It was an honor to have the (secretary of defense) pin lieutenant bars on me because of his position, but also because he is a former naval aviator."

For more news from around the fleet, visit www.navy.mil.