Embassy Press Release

Remarks delivered by The Ambassador of the United States of America, Nicholas F. Taubman on the Ocassion of The Visit of USS McFaul (DDG74) and the Creation of the Navy League of the United States Black Sea Council Constanta, 1830, 15 September 2008

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Photo gallery: The Visit of USS McFaul (DDG74) and the Creation of the Navy League of the United States Black Sea Council Constanta

Ambassador Nicholas F. Taubman (Right) announcing the creation of the Navy League of the United States Black Sea Council. On board of USS McFaul (DDG-74), September 15, 2008 (Lucian Crusoveanu / Public Diplomacy Office) • Photo gallery

U.S.S. McFaul (DDG 74) destroyer anchored in Constanta harbor September 15, 2008. Constanta, September 15, 2008 (Lucian Crusoveanu, Public Diplomacy Office) • Photo gallery

On board USS MCFAUL (DDG-74)
Passenger Terminal Pier
Port of Constanta, Romania
September 15, 2008

Welcome, distinguished guests

And especially new members of the Navy League of the United States’ Black Sea Council:

First, let me begin by thanking the Commanding Officer, Commander TIMOTHY SCHORR, and the entire crew of USS MCFAUL (DDG 74) for graciously hosting this event. I can assure you that MCFAUL will be remembered here for strengthening the ties between the United States of America and Romania.

For the USS MCFAUL, this is a return trip to the Black Sea – and I think you will be surprised to learn about this Guided Missile Destroyer’s previous mission in this region. When our guests came aboard this impressive ship, I’m fairly certain that one of her most important capabilities wasn’t the first that came to mind. But on 24 August, USS MCFAUL and her crew pulled into the port of Batumi, Georgia, to deliver relief supplies in response to the Georgian Government’s request for humanitarian assistance. She was the first U.S. Navy ship to arrive and deliver humanitarian assistance to Georgia.

MCFAUL delivered eighty-two pallets of approximately one-hundred and fifty-five thousand pounds of supplies donated by the U.S. Agency for International Development. This critical cargo included personal hygiene kits, baby food and infant-care supplies, milk and bottled water. As the Commodore of Combined Task Force 367 stated, "The entire crew of this ship realizes the significance of their efforts in helping to provide comfort to the people of Georgia."

With this mission in mind, the United States, Romania, and supporting partners in the Black Sea must understand the importance of ready and capable sea services. Fortunately, our warships are rarely used in war. The overwhelming majority of their time at sea is spent ensuring peace, promoting the stability necessary for economic development, and providing assistance when others suffer from natural or man-made disasters. We thank the crew of the MCFAUL for its valuable contribution to Georgia.

Founded in 1902, with the support of then president Theodore Roosevelt, the Navy League of the United States is a civilian organization dedicated to the support of our sea services: the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. The Navy League is a powerful voice in the United States’ Congress, with the American people, and in partner nations around the world. With 65,000 members, the Navy League’s national and international councils have three core missions: 1) to educate political leaders and the public on the vital importance of comprehensive and fully-prepared maritime services, 2) to serve as advocates for active duty personnel and their families, and 3) to support future leaders through youth programs in America and abroad.

In Romania, the Navy League is bringing together U.S. Embassy representatives, Romanian officials, community leaders, and business partners to work on these common goals. Tonight I have the distinct honor to recognize the creation of the Navy League of the United States’ Black Sea Council. And I invite all of you to meet with new and prospective members.

Again, I offer my thanks to the proud crew of the USS MCFAUL, and my congratulations to the Navy League of the United States’ Black Sea Council.

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