Speeches

Seventh Fleet - USS Blue Ridge

Welcome Remarks by Ambassador Frank Lavin
March 7, 2005

Thank you for that kind introduction. Admiral Greenert, members of the American armed forces, General Goh, members of Singapore armed forces, representatives of diplomatic missions and allied and friendly militaries, we are delighted to welcome the Seventh Fleet to Singapore along with the fine ships of the Vinson Strike Group.

Admiral Clingan, you have just about done the impossible. By tying up the Vinson next the Blue Ridge, you have succeeded in making this magnificent ship look a bit small. It is a reminder of the massive size of the Seventh Fleet, which by itself might be the second largest Navy in the world.

And as splendid as the ships and the equipment and the sailors of the Seventh Fleet are, we remind ourselves that what you see before you is not just for show. Our navy has a range of missions in peacetime and wartime. And we are proud to work alongside Singapore in many of these.

In recent months, this cooperation reached a high point as we worked together in Aceh to provide relief to the victims of the Tsunami.

Farther afield, our navies work together in the Persian Gulf, attached to the Multinational Force. We salute the sailors of all navies who have placed themselves at risk to help the people of Iraq.

To our Singapore friends, the Seventh Fleet is delighted to visit and is honored by your hospitality. Like the United States, Singapore is a maritime nation that depends on the freedom of the seas for its livelihood. It is no surprise that the United States and Singapore enjoy such warm relations. May we always be worthy of your friendship.