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USS Ramage Hosts Reception in Neum

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS061025-10
Release Date: 10/25/2006 1:33:00 PM

From USS Ramage Public Affairs

USS RAMAGE, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Ramage (DDG 61) hosted a reception Oct. 18 for the U.S. ambassador to Bosnia-Herzegovina (BiH) and other special guests during Ramage's port visit to Neum, BiH.

The three members of the Presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina were among the guests attending the reception, along with the minister of defense, the chief of defense, and numerous ambassadors and defense attaches to Bosnia-Herzegovina from various countries around the world.

The crowd of nearly 100 dignitaries had the opportunity to interact with Ramage crew members and experience firsthand the quality of American service men and women.

Cmdr. James Dick, commanding officer of Ramage, acknowledged the impact the ship’s visit and the reception had on relations between the U.S. and BiH.

“This visit was a fantastic opportunity to interact with the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina," he said. "For most of the crew, this was their first visit to the country. The reception was an ideal venue for leadership of the country to experience the very best the United States Navy has to offer, our Sailors.”

Neum is the only sea port in Bosnia. The presence of a U.S. ship is an important sign to the people of Bosnia of the United States’ continued commitment to peace and stability in the region. Ramage is the third U.S. warship to visit Neum since the Dayton Peace Accords were signed in 1995.

The timing of Ramage’s visit was significant, as the last U.S. ground forces in BiH were withdrawn Oct. 16. Her presence helps to clearly communicate that while the U.S. footprint in the country may be diminished, the nation’s interest in the country and the region remains strong.

U.S. Ambassador Douglas McElhaney, and the Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia-Herzegovina, President Sulejman Tihic, both made remarks that highlighted the significance of the visit and the importance of ongoing U.S. support and involvement in the country.

Ramage conducted the visit as part of the theater-wide security cooperation plan for Commander, Naval Forces Europe and Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet.

The visit to Neum was the first for Ramage as part of the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) Carrier Strike Group, which deployed from Norfolk, Va., Oct. 3.