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U.S. Ambassador, Norwegian CHOD Embark USS Monterey

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060704-02
Release Date: 7/4/2006 11:32:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Brandon Shelander, Fleet Public Affairs Center, Atlantic

ABOARD USS MONTEREY, At Sea (NNS) -- Several distinguished visitors from Norway toured USS Monterey (CG 61) as it pulled into Oslo, Norway, July 3 for rest and relaxation after completing the Joint Maritime Operational course, Neptune Warrior.

Ambassador Benson K. Whitney, U.S. ambassador to the Kingdom of Norway, Gen. Sverre Diesen, chief of defense Norway, and Commodore Arild-Inge Skram, chief of staff, Royal Norwegian Navy Staff, took the opportunity to tour Monterey, forming a stronger bond between the two militaries and giving the Monterey crew an opportunity to thank them for their support and hospitality during the upcoming port visit.

“The purpose of the visit today was for our crew to experience the beauty and culture of Oslo, enhance our friendship with the Norwegian military, and demonstrate our Aegis weapon system for the Norwegian defense leadership,” said Capt. Robert E. Oldani, Monterey’s commanding officer.

The guests visited various parts of the ship, such as the central control station, combat information center, pilot house, and galley while Monterey approached Oslo harbor.

“The tour was fantastic,” said Whitney. “I mean first of all, I learned a lot. These ships are an incredible example of American ingenuity, talent, and energy and our ability to go anywhere in the world. So this is a miracle of both technology and effort. For example, this is an Aegis cruiser and Norway has just acquired five Nansen-class frigates with Aegis capability, which will be another way for Norway and the United States to work together around the world doing the right thing.”

Skram enjoyed the tour as well, and was impressed by what he saw.

“It was very interesting to take a tour of the entire ship. That gave me an idea of what this ship is all about and also confirms what I already knew. I was very impressed with the crew and the commanding officer on board - he’s got an excellent crew,” said Skram.

Skram also commented on the relationship between the Norwegian and U.S. Navy.

“We have a long lasting cooperation with the US Navy," Skram said. "We now have new frigates and they have some similar systems, and we look forward to working with the U.S. Navy in the future.”

Whitney was also very enthusiastic about the U.S. and Norwegian relationship, especially with Monterey celebrating Independence Day in Oslo.

“I would say Norway is one of the few countries in the world that actually celebrates the United States’ Independence Day,” Whitney explained. “They’re a country that really understands independence and the importance of freedom. Freedom is very important to them. It was hard won here in Norway, and so they appreciate their relationship with the United States and what it means. I am here to celebrate that wonderful relationship we have with the people.”

Monterey and several Norwegian Hauk-class fast-patrol boats recently completed the Neptune Warrior course off the coast of Scotland, which involved working closely with ships from many different navies in scenarios designed to improve coordination between coalition and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies.

Monterey is preparing for deployment later this year.

For related news, visit the Destroyer Squadron 24 Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/desron24/.