USS Whidbey Island Completes 'South and East" Port Visit in Tunisia
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS061128-03
Release Date: 11/28/2006 3:47:00 PM
From Commander, Naval Forces Europe/Commander, U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs
TUNIS, Tunisia (NNS) -- As part of the Naval Forces Europe/U.S. 6th Fleet (CNE-C6F) strategy to improve maritime security to the “south and east” of traditional Europe, USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) completed a four-day port call in Tunis Nov. 21.
As the first major U.S. Navy ship to pull into port at Tunis since 2001, Whidbey Island’s visit coincided with a visit to Tunisia by Rear Adm. Bob Clark, CNE-C6F director of Maritime Partnership Programs.
In addition to the crew getting a chance to enjoy liberty during their last port visit of a scheduled six-month deployment, Sailors and Marines also conducted several activities aimed at strengthening relations with Tunisia.
“This is an exceptional opportunity for us and the Tunisians to learn more about each other,” said Whidbey Island Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Erik Ross. “From what I have already seen, the Tunisians are very friendly hosts, and the crew is excited to see something different.”
Almost none of the 700-plus crew had ever visited Tunis, which offers many historical sites including the ancient city of Carthage.
“This is the first time I’ve visited Africa and I’m looking forward to experiencing a new culture,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW) Tim Raub.
In addition to conducting community relations projects, outreach to the Tunisian media, and public and official engagements for Tunisian military and civilian leaders, Sailors and Marines were also able to participate in observances for the Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day, including a wreath-laying ceremony at the North Africa American Cemetery.
The North Africa American Cemetery is one of 24 American cemeteries on foreign soil and covers 27 acres of land between the Mediterranean and the Bay of Tunis. Established in 1948, the cemetery holds the graves of 2,841 U.S. service members who died while serving in the WWII North African military campaign.
Attended by U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Robert Godec, Clark, Ross, dozens of Whidbey Island Sailors and Marines, Tunisian officials and members of the diplomatic corps, the Nov. 17 event began the port visit with great emotional impact.
“Today we are here to honor all veterans,” said David Ballard, American embassy deputy chief of mission, in his remarks during the ceremony. “It is great to have Whidbey Island crewmembers and the 6th Fleet Band here to experience this special place.”
According to Clark, U.S. Navy ship visits to North African ports are vital in improving regional maritime partnerships.
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