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GW Hosts Palauan Presidential Delegation

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090622-05
Release Date: 6/22/2009 2:43:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Dave Reynolds, USS George Washington Public Affairs

USS GEORGE WASHINGTON, At Sea (NNS) -- Commander, George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GWCSG) welcomed leaders of the Republic of Palau aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73) June 21.

Palauan President Johnson Toribiong and Vice President Kerai Mariur led a delegation that included top cabinet members, the Senate President and two Palauan High Chiefs, which spent five hours touring the carrier as GW passed just northwest of the island.

The visit supports the Chief of Naval Operations' Maritime Strategy by promoting cooperation and trust between partner nations, which will ultimately lead to greater stability in the Western Pacific region.

Rear Adm. Kevin M. Donegan, along with GW Commanding Officer Capt. David A. Lausman, used the opportunity to reiterate a mutual sense of goodwill between the United States and Palau, one of the world's smallest sovereign nations.

"We know that what you came here to do was to see us operate and to be part of our team, at least for the short period of time we have," Donegan said.

Toribiong and the Palauan delegation observed Carrier Air Wing 5 conduct flight operations on the flight deck and also had a chance to see the ship's hangar bay, bridge and combat direction center.

"It's an amazing machine," said Toribiong. "It's a self-contained city and a fortress. [The crew] is very well trained and disciplined. [The ship] runs like a well-oiled machine."

The visit culminated with a small exchange of gifts including the presentation of a flag flown over the GW in honor of Palauan service members including one that was killed in Afghanistan recently.

"This flag was flown on board USS George Washington on June 21, 2009 in honor of Sergeant Jasper Obakrairur for his honorable service and in appreciation to the Nation of Palau and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines that have served with the United States Military and have given the ultimate sacrifice," said Lausman.

"It was an experience of a lifetime," Toribiong said. "We are truly thankful for this trip and briefing, and realize that you do look after us in terms of our defense and interdiction. We look forward to a continued relationship in the future."

GW is the flagship of the GWCSG. The strike group is comprised of Carrier Air Wing Five; Destroyer Squadron 15 and the guided missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Cowpens (CG 63).

For more news from USS George Washington, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/.