George Washington Hosts Manila Reception

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Stephanie Smith, USS George Washington Public Affairs
Posted: September 8, 2010

MANILA, Republic of the Philippines– Philippine Vice President Jejomar C. Binay and the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines Harry K. Thomas were among the more than 700 military officials and distinguished guests that attended a reception on board USS George Washington (CVN 73) (GW) Sept. 6.
 

PACIFIC OCEAN (September 6, 2010) – Rear Adm. Dan Cloyd, Commander, Task Force 70 speaks with the Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines Jejomar Binay as he arrives for a reception aboard the ship. George Washington, the Navy’s only full time forward-deployed aircraft carrier, is currently visiting the port of Manila Philippines to promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, demonstrating commitment to regional partners and foster growing relationships. (US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Rachel N. Hatch) | Download

The reception was held during the four-day port in Manila and served to affirm the alliance between the two nations.

The vice president spoke of the long standing relationship between the Philippines and U.S., characterizing the service members from the two nations as “emissaries of peace in the region.”

In a speech to those in attendance at the reception, Binay quoted the late President John F. Kennedy and praised the service of the Sailors serving aboard GW and throughout the U.S. Navy.

“‘I can imagine no more rewarding a career. And any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction: ‘I served in the United States Navy.’

I am sure that the Sailors aboard George Washington feel the same; and you should. You have done a lot of things as Sailors here in the Philippines,” said Binay.

The vice president also thanked the crew for their contributions to the people of the Philippines through the ship’s community relations projects.

This was GW’s second visit to Manila in two years. Last year’s visit marked the first time an American aircraft carrier had visited Manila in 13 years.

“I am thrilled to welcome the George Washington back to the Philippines for a goodwill visit,” said Thomas. “May you bring honor to your ship and your nation.”

During the two-hour reception, guests mingled with GW crew members and learned about their lives at sea.

“This is my third time on an aircraft carrier,” said Gerald Cruz, a junior officer from the Philippine navy. “But it’s my first time being on an aircraft carrier in the Philippines.”

GW is currently underway on its 2010 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).