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Ambassador to Spain Visits USS Iwo Jima

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080911-09
Release Date: 9/11/2008 3:51:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Chad R. Erdmann, Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs

USS IWO JIMA, At Sea (NNS) -- The U.S. ambassador to Spain and his distinguished guests visited the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) while underway Sept. 9.

Ambassador Eduardo Aguirre and the group visited Iwo Jima to familiarize themselves with the U.S. military, and to learn about the capabilities and assets the U.S. brings to a multinational force.

"I wanted to bring these 18 Spanish leaders here because it is important that the Spanish population, represented by these individuals, understand the high quality of professionalism, patriotism, and the excellence of the American fighting men and women," said Aguirre.

"They get to see a ship underway, during operations, preparing to go into theater and also observe the young men and women who carry out their responsibilities in a stellar fashion."

Adm. Juan Munoz-Delgado, admiral of the Spanish Navy Fleet Forces, participated in the visit and was impressed by Iwo Jima's capabilities.

"I look at this ship with envy," said Munoz-Delgado. "The Spanish and U.S. navies have a long tradition of working together, and I am happy to have the opportunity to be here and learn more about how the U.S. Navy operates."

During the visit, the guests toured Iwo Jima's medical facilities, viewed static displays of Navy and Marine Corps assets, and observed an AV-8B Harrier air demonstration. The visit also highlighted the camaraderie and close working relationship between the Navy and Marine Corps.

"The teamwork between the Sailors and Marines is a very effective weapon, and yet, at the same time, a very peaceful tool," said Munoz-Delgado.

Other guests agreed.

"The Navy and Marine Corps do an impressive job," said Luis Cuesta, Secretary General for Defense Policy at the Spanish Ministry of Defense. "The Iwo Jima is a very impressive ship, and I wish we had a ship like this in the Spanish Navy."

Before departing, Aguirre concluded the visit by addressing the Sailors and Marines of Iwo Jima.

"I am particularly proud of you and the job you are doing," said Aguirre. "Being aboard Iwo Jima and seeing our Sailors and Marines makes me proud to be an American."

Iwo Jima is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) in support of maritime security operations in the Navy's 5th and 6th Fleet areas of responsibility. The Iwo Jima ESG consists of Iwo Jima; the amphibious dock landing ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50); the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Antonio (LPD 17); the guided-missile cruiser USS Vella Gulf (CG 72); the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61); all homeported at Norfolk; the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), homeported at Mayport, Fla.; and the fast attack submarine USS Hartford (SSN 768), homeported at Groton, Conn.

For more news from Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/iwoesg/.