An MV-22B Osprey tiltrotor aircraft from Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron (VMM) 262 prepares to land on the flight deck of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). Aboard the Osprey was the U.S. ambassador to The Republic of the Philippines, Philip S. Goldberg. The Germantown and USS Ashland (LSD 48) along with embarked Commander, Amphibious Squadron (PHIBRON) 11, Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7 and elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) are in the Leyte Gulf in the Republic of the Philippines in support of Operation Damayan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tony DeFilippo/Released)
USS GERMANTOWN, At Sea – Philip S. Goldberg, the U.S. ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines, visited sailors and Marines aboard the USS Germantown (LSD 42) Nov. 28 as the ship steamed through Leyte Gulf to thank them for their role in assisting the people of the Philippines during Operation Damayan.
Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest ever recorded, 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 (LSD 48) relieved the George Washington Strike Group of its relief mission Nov. 21.
Goldberg was joined by U.S. Marine Lt. Gen. John Wissler, the commander of Joint Task Force 505 (JTF-505), Rear Adm. Hugh Wetherald, the commander of Amphibious Forces 7th Fleet, and other distinguished guests.
JTF-505 is overseeing the U.S. militaries relief efforts during Operation Damayan in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, other international militaries and non-governmental 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.”
Lt. Gen. 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 (CPR11), Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7 and elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), is operating in support of Operation Damayan.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/117539/ambassador-visits-uss-germantown#.UpjurD-A2AI
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