Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 12 hosted the British Ambassador to the U.S. and four other high-ranking officials aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) (TR) for a day at sea, Sept. 30.
Ambassador Sir Peter Westmacott was joined on the visit by British Consul General David Prodger, British Royal Navy Commodore Richard Allen, Capt. Kevin Seymour and Cmdr. Barrie O’Sullivan.
Rear Adm. Andrew Lewis, commander, CSG 12, escorted the guests from Naval Station Mayport, Florida, to TR via helicopter where they were greeted by Capt. Rhinhart Wilke, CSG 12 chief of staff, Capt. Daniel Grieco, TR’s commanding officer, Capt. William Ewald, commander, Carrier Air Wing 1, Capt. Jeff Craig, TR’s executive officer and William Smalts, TR’s command master chief.
The visit focused on the utility and complexity of carrier operations and logistics that sustain those operations. Tour stops included the flight deck, bridge, joint aeronautical screening unit – a repair parts supply point – and aircraft maintenance facilities.
Prior to the guests’ departure, shipboard leadership and distinguished visitors exchanged gifts as a sign of respect, cooperation, and trust.
TR is underway conducting coordinated training with Theodore Roosevelt CSG 12 in preparation for future deployments.
[mappress] Press Release, October 02, 2014; Image: US Navy