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GW Hosts Reception for Distinguished Singapore Guests

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100812-06
8/12/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Devon Dow, USS George Washington Public Affairs

SINGAPORE (NNS) -- The U.S. ambassador to Singapore was among the more than 300 military officials and distinguished guests to attend a reception Aug. 11 hosted by USS George Washington (CVN 73) in the ship's hangar bay.

The reception took place on the heels of Singapore's Independence Day and spirits were high from all in attendance who recognized the importance of the city-state's 45th anniversary and continued partnership between Singapore and the U.S.

"I would like to thank the crew of the GW and our special guest from Singapore," said Ambassador David L. Adleman. "Singapore's hospitality and world-class facilities have only added to what has been a great friendship since Singapore's independence 45 years ago."

Commander, Task Force 70, Rear Adm. Dan Cloyd, thanked local officials in attendance for allowing GW to visit and praised their professionalism.

"This is a special relationship between two nations which share a great deal, certainly with respect to naval forces and the maritime profession," he said. "We share a commitment to freedom of navigation across the seas and around the world. May both of our nations enjoy a rich and prosperous future as together, we move further into the 21st century."

Col. Tiong Kian Sim, commander, 1st Flotilla, of the Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN) said he was pleased to have the GW crew in port to share in the celebration of his country's independence celebrations. "You are in the company of friends here in Singapore," he said to those in attendance. "Your ship's visit to our country this year is very significant."

During the two-hour reception, guests mingled with GW crew members and got to know one other.

"This is my first time on the GW. The is ship is much larger than I expected," said Nicky Than, a junior officer from the RSN. "To actually see the ship and personally meet U.S. Sailors was a great experience for me. The reception put on by the U.S. Navy tonight was first-class all the way."

"I think hosting functions like this is a good way to get to know our partners in Singapore and to show our thanks to them for allowing us to visit," said Cmdr. Trey Sisson, commanding officer of VFA-115. "We are representing our country abroad and this is one of the many ways I believe the U.S. Navy puts its best foot forward and shows appreciation to our partners here in the Pacific."

GW is the Navy's only permanently forward-deployed aircraft carrier and operates from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan. The visit to Singapore is the GW's second port visit of its 2010 summer patrol.

GW is currently underway on its summer patrol in the Western Pacific Ocean and is commanded by Capt. David A. Lausman, the flagship of the George Washington Carrier Strike Group (CSG), which is commanded by Rear Adm. Dan Cloyd. The GW CSG includes CVW-5, Destroyer Squadron 15, and the guided-missile cruisers USS Shiloh (CG 67) and USS Cowpens (CG 63).