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2008 Programs and Events
USS Truman, Ambassador in Rhodes
Welcoming the USS Harry S. Truman, the ninth aircraft carrier in the US Navy, Ambassador Daniel V. Speckhard and his wife Dr. Anne Speckhard visited Rhodes for the first time on May 7-10. "As a seafaring country, Greece has a long tradition of welcoming ships to its ports," the Ambassador noted, "and we thank the people of this incredibly beautiful island of Rhodes for their hospitality. This is a wonderful opportunity for our American sailors as well as a sign of the enduring friendship between our peoples." The Ambassador introduced Rear Admiral Mark Fox, commanding the USS Truman's carrier strike group, and the carrier's Captain Herm Shelanski.
The goodwill port visit of the USS Truman, which carries more than 70 aircraft and more than 5,000 American sailors, included a sunset reception for Greek dignitaries led by Deputy Minister of Merchant Marine Panos Kammenos. Such visits also contribute millions of dollars to local economies and regularly include community relations projects in which US sailors volunteer their time, in this case helping to beautify historic Rodini Park. The USS Truman was in Rhodes on the anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, and on the birthday of the American President for which it is named.
Dodecanese Nomarch Ioannis Mahairidis welcomed the Ambassador to Rhodes, along with Mayor of Rhodes Chatzis Chatziefthmiou. The Ambassador's party was accompanied by Mr. Christos Zavorianos of the Navy League and U.S. Embassy Athens Defense Attache Colonel Mike Morgan, as well as other Greek and American Navy officers. The Ambassador and the USS Truman officers also called on Colonel Dimitrios Antonogiannakis, Chief of Staff, 95th Higher Command National Guard Battalion; Colonel Ioannis Mesodiakakis, Chief of Police; and Commander Ioannis Argyriou, Harbor Master. In addition, Bishop Kyrillos of Rhodes received the party.
Following their official calls, Ambassador and Dr. Speckhard toured the historic center of Rhodes and other points of interest on the island. For more information on the port call in Rhodes and the USS Truman, visit http://www.truman.navy.mil/. Hellenic Public Television ERT and local newspaper Rodiaki were among the many Greek media outlets which covered the visit.
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