US Ambassador to Canada Receives Warm Welcome Aboard Wasp

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Christopher Koons, USS Wasp Public Affairs

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (NNS) -- The U.S. ambassador to Canada arrived aboard USS Wasp (LHD 1), June 30, for a reception to coincide with Independence Day celebrations.

"Today, we honor those who helped shape the path of our nation's history," said David Jacobson to the crowd gathered in Wasp's hangar bay. "This past week's Fleet Review was a reminder of the fact that the values embodied in the Declaration of Independence would not have survived without the courage and sacrifice of people like the Sailors on Wasp."

With Wasp docked in Halifax, Nova Scotia as the lead U.S. Navy ship in the Canadian Centennial and International Fleet Review Week (CNC/IFR) events, Jacobson also talked about the friendship between the U.S. and Canada.

"Every day, Canadian military forces stand shoulder-to- shoulder with us in Afghanistan and other places around the world," he said. "We are forever grateful for their efforts."

Vice Adm. Melvin Williams, Jr., commander, U.S. 2nd Fleet, also talked to the crowd about the importance of cooperation between the U.S., Canada, and all allied nations.

"The importance of the sea to the security of the U.S., to the security of Canada, and to the security of all nations who move commerce in our inter-connected world is truly significant," said Williams. "I believe that we must maintain strong navies to guarantee security of the maritime environment. The oceans are the lifeblood of national and global economies, of our prosperity, and of our security."

For Vice Adm. Dean McFadden, Canada's chief of maritime staff, coming aboard Wasp for the reception was an awe-inspiring occasion.

"You can't help but be humbled when you stand on the deck of a ship this huge," said McFadden. "Wasp is an example of true naval power."

With more than 30 ships from Canada, Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, Great Britain, the Netherlands and the United States participating in the CNC/IFR, McFadden said the alliance of all of these nations presents a truly formidable team.

"All navies understand that in times of peace, we build bonds of friendship between nations, so that in times of war we can put the type power we've seen on display here to good use," he said.

Capt. Lowell D. Crow, Wasp's commanding officer, summed up the purpose of the reception when he talked about the history of the ship.

"Tonight, we are here to celebrate not only friendship between our two great nations but also to take this opportunity to celebrate our independence," he said. "It is fitting that we do this celebration aboard Wasp, as that name has been on U.S. Navy ships from the American Revolution to the current incarnation, which turns 21 years old next month. I welcome you all aboard our great ship."

Wasp is participating in the CNC/IFR that began on June 25 and concludes July 2. Wasp Sailors and Marines, including embarked Carrier Strike Group 2, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, and 3rd Battalion 2nd Marines are participating in various cultural and sporting events during the visit aimed at strengthening relationships and the strong bilateral and multilateral ties shared between the Canadian navy and its allies.