USS Germantown
USS GERMANTOWN At Sea, Nov. 29, 2013 – U.S. Ambassador to
the Republic of the Philippines Philip S. Goldberg visited sailors and Marines
aboard the USS Germantown on Thanksgiving Day as the ship steamed through Leyte
Gulf.
Goldberg thanked the service members for their role in
assisting the people of the Philippines during Operation Damayan.
Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest typhoons ever, made
landfall in the Philippines on Nov. 7. In response to a request for assistance
by the government of the Philippines, the Germantown and USS Ashland relieved
the George Washington Strike Group of its relief mission Nov. 21.
Goldberg was joined by U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. John E.
Wissler, the commander of Joint Task Force 505, Rear Adm. Hugh Wetherald, the
commander of Amphibious Forces 7th Fleet, and other distinguished guests.
JTF-505 is overseeing U.S. military-provided relief efforts
during Operation Damayan in coordination with the armed forces of the
Philippines, other international militaries and nongovernmental organizations.
During his visit, Goldberg was given a tour of the ship, met
with sailors and Marines and thanked the crew for their service.
“In my many years of service, I have been honored to work
with Marines and sailors, and I’ve been impressed every time,” he said. “You
all have done amazing work here, and I’m proud to share Thanksgiving with you.”
Wissler also addressed the Marines and sailors about the
impact they’ve had on the people of the Philippines.
“What the Navy and Marine Corps team has done here is help
bring peace of mind with your presence in the area,” he said. “Our partnership
with the government of the Philippines shows we are here with them during a
difficult time. I couldn’t be more proud of your ability to respond when
called.”
The Germantown, along with the Ashland, embarked Commander,
Amphibious Squadron Eleven, Naval Beach Unit 7 and elements of the 31st Marine
Expeditionary Unit, is operating in support of Operation Damayan.
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