Top Naval Officer Visits Halifax

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Kyle P. Malloy, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (NNS) -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead visited USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49), USS Gettysburg (CG-64), HMS Ark Royal (R07), USS Virginia (SSN 774), USS Wasp (LHD 1) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, June 28-29.

Roughead also attended the official welcoming ceremony and International Fleet Review in honor of Queen Elizabeth II during his trip. Roughead said the International Fleet Review provided a great opportunity for many countries to come together and build stronger international naval partnerships.

"One of the great benefits of this fleet review, if you look around the harbor and see all of the flags that are flying from the ships that are here," said Roughead. "These are very young [Sailors] who are at the beginning of their time in their Navy and the relationships that form, the respect that they develop for one another, the interest that they have in each other's navy and culture, that's what really brings navies together."

CNO began his trip with a visit aboard USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) and USS Gettysburg (CG-64) where he toured the ship, facilitated award and reenlistment ceremonies and met with the Sailors stationed aboard each ship.

Roughead proceeded to HMS Ark Royal (R07) where he met with his Canadian counterpart Chief of Maritime Staff Vice Adm. Dean McFadden, Dutch counterpart Netherlands Chief of Naval Staff Vice Adm. Matthieu Borsboom and his British counterpart First Sea Lord Adm. Sir Mark Stanhope.

CNO and his counterparts were part of the official party that welcomed the Queen to Canada at an official ceremony held at the Garrison Grounds in Halifax.

CNO then toured USS Virginia (SSN 774) to facilitate an award ceremony and meet with Sailors stationed aboard the submarine.

Roughead also met with U.S. Ambassodor to Canada David Jacobson to embark USS Wasp (LHD 1) to tour the ship, meet with Sailors and participate in the International Fleet Review.

"I thank you for what you are doing here, I thank you for what you do for our Navy because we really are a 'global force for good,'" said Roughead.