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USS Thach Hosts Reception in Bahamas

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061003-29
Release Date: 10/3/2006 12:15:00 AM

From USS Thach Public Affairs

NASSAU, Bahamas (NNS) -- USS Thach (FFG 43) hosted a shipboard reception in Nassau, Bahamas, in mid-September, welcoming nearly 100 guests to the ship in support of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO) theater security cooperation (TSC) initiatives.

Attending the reception were Arthur D. Hannah, governor-general of the Bahamas and Dr. Brent Hardt, charge d’affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau, as well as both the Chinese and Haitian ambassadors to the Bahamas.

“The event was a great opportunity for our crew members to demonstrate the pride and professionalism of the U.S. Navy,” said Thach’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Rinda K. Ranch. “We always enjoy the chance to reciprocate the hospitality we receive when we make foreign port calls, and it would be difficult to find a better venue than a summer night in the Bahamas. It was an honor and privilege to have such distinguished company on board.”

Thach has been conducting counter-narcotics operations in the eastern Pacific since June, working closely with several countries in the NAVSO area of responsibility, assisting the law enforcement mission to intercept and detain drug traffickers on the high seas.

During welcoming remarks at the reception, Hannah and Hardt both commended the ship’s embarked law enforcement detachment, helicopter detachment, and crew members for their success in confiscating nearly 12 metric tons of cocaine during the ship’s current deployment.

Shipboard receptions are an important element of NAVSO efforts to promote relationships between the United States and nations around the region, while enhancing collaborative missions to combat terrorism and support mutual defense initiatives. TSC activities include a variety of events that build and strengthen communications and interoperability among regional nations.

“It is a pleasure to have USS Thach in Nassau,” Hardt said. “It says a lot when you look around during the reception and see people from so many different countries. We don’t get the chance to do this very often but when we do, the benefits are very rewarding.”

Hannah shared this sentiment, saying they are always happy to see U.S. ships in their ports.

“In the Bahamas, American ships are always welcome and we always feel comfortable when we see American ships around,” Hannah said.