Sailors assigned to the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Bainbridge (DDG 96) held a reception for local distinguished guests and Bahamian officials in Freeport, Bahamas, February 13.
The 100-person ceremony was co-hosted by Cmdr. Mary Devine, Commanding Officer of Bainbridge and United States Charge d’ Affaires Stephanie Bowers.
Cmdr. Devine gave opening remarks about strengthening the partnership between the United States and Grand Bahama.
“During our deployment, our Sailors demonstrated their strength and resiliency, always ready to respond to the nation’s call,” said Devine. “Luckily, we were called upon again to come here to Freeport, to help strengthen our partnership and support of the Bahamian people. Our activities during our time in Freeport, from reading and interacting with the school children, to painting classrooms, to playing a friendly game of hoops with the Royal Bahamas Defense force, demonstrate our support to our friends in the Bahamas, who have shown extraordinary resilience in the face of adversity.”
Charge d’ Affaires Stephanie Bowers mentioned the importance of friendship between the two nations and the rebuilding of Grand Bahama in the wake of Hurricane Dorian.
“The Bainbridge’s visit, like the visit of her sister ships before her, is a further testament to the strength of the bilateral relationship between the United States and The Bahamas, and to our historically close economic, cultural, and social ties,” said Bowers. “It is also fitting that the first visit by a U.S. Navy ship to the Bahamas since Hurricane Dorian occurs in Freeport. We are reminded that even in the midst of hardship and tragedy, working closely to rescue storm victims and begin the long, painful process of reconstruction, the United States and The Bahamas emerged with an even stronger friendship.”
Additionally, while in Freeport, Bainbridge Sailors participated in six community relations (COMREL) projects at Holmes Rock Primary, Martin Town Primary, Hugh Campbell Primary, Maurice Moore Primary, Walter Parker Primary, and Freeport Primary schools. Sailors also played basketball with the Royal Bahamas Defense Force.
“Sailors took time to read to local students, host tours onboard, play in sporting events, and help to rebuild local schools in the area still facing the devastating effects of Hurricane Dorian,” said Ensign Francesca Treglia, 1st Lieutenant and Public Affairs Officer assigned to Bainbridge. “Opportunities like this allow Sailors to experience new cultures and meet the local population, while also showcasing another facet of our Navy’s capability to respond to the call of our Nation and help those in need.”
Bainbridge is preparing for her next deployment cycle and will undergo the phases necessary to maintain readiness for future deployments.
| Date Taken: | 02.14.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 02.14.2020 13:31 |
| Story ID: | 363195 |
| Location: | FREEPORT, GRAND BAHAMA, BS |
| Web Views: | 73 |
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