McCampbell Arrives in Bitung for International Fleet Review
Story Number: NNS090817-04
Release Date: 8/17/2009 2:06:00 PM
By Ensign Colleen R. Praxmarer, USS McCampbell Public Affairs
BITUNG, Indonesia (NNS) -- Sailors aboard the guided missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) arrived in Bitung Aug. 15 to participate in the Indonesia International Fleet Review (IFR).
Joining ships and delegations representing 33 other countries, McCampbell is one of four U.S. ships that will represent the United States in the IFR, which is being held to celebrate the 64th anniversary of Indonesia's independence from the Dutch.
While 33 countries are sending delegations, only 14 are sending warships, and Australia is sending a fleet of 163 yachts to join in the festivities. Top naval leaders from 14 countries will attend the celebration including the U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Gary Roughead.
During the eight-day International Fleet Review many activities are planned, including community service activities such as beach cleaning and opportunities to experience the culture of Indonesia, such as tours of the surrounding areas and a 'food and culture festival'.
On the final day of the review - other U.S. Navy ships, the aircraft carrier George Washington (CVN 73), guided missile cruiser Cowpens (CG 63) and guided missile destroyers Fitzgerald (DDG 62) and Mustin (DDG 89) - will join the IFR for the "Pass in Review". The President of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, will watch the warships from the various countries pass by from a reviewing stand along with other dignitaries from all 33 participating countries.
"We are honored and thrilled to be participating in such a large scale event, bringing together so many countries," said Cmdr. Charles Johnson, McCampbell's commanding officer. "We've worked in this area of the world before, and we're so glad to be back. I'm looking forward to celebrating Indonesian independence, and the crew is looking forward to interacting with the Indonesian sailors and all the other sailors coming from all over the world to celebrate with Indonesia."
USS McCampbell is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and patrols the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility conducting routine operations. Operating in the Western Pacific and the Indian Ocean, the U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets covering 48 million square miles, with approximately 60-70 ships, 200-300 aircraft, and 40,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any time.
For more news from Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/c7f/.
http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=47688
