Speeches and Remarks

Remarks by Ambassador David C. Mulford on Board the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19)

Goa, India
February 17, 2005

As prepared for delivery

It is a real pleasure for Jeannie and me to be here in Goa to welcome the USS Blue Ridge and her crew to India. Standing on this great ship in this harbor is a clear signal of the strong relationship that our two countries share in the maritime world. I want to thank Vice Admiral Jonathan Greenert, Commander, Seventh Fleet and his lovely wife Darleen for hosting this event. A 1975 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and a career submariner, Vice Admiral Greenert brings a wealth of experience to our building relationship with India. I also want to thank Captain J. Stephen Maynard, the Commanding Officer of the Blue Ridge for all his work during this visit.

Jeannie and I want to thank the Blue Ridge crew for setting up this reception and for bringing the Blue Ridge to Goa. Visiting with the young men and women who serve our country around the world is one of the things Jeannie and I enjoy most about being Ambassador. Just last week we were in Bangalore where we had a chance to meet some of your colleagues from the U.S. Air Force who came to show a pair of F-15 Strike Eagles along with a C-130J and KC-135. You will all be glad to know the Navy was well represented with an impressive P-3 Orion. Jeannie and I feel privileged to follow that great experience with this one, touring the flagship of the 7th fleet and meeting her crew.

I also want to thank our honored Indian guests, (if present) Governor of the State of Goa, Shri S.C. Jamir, Chief Minister of the State of Goa, Shri Pratap Singh Rane, and Deputy Conservator of the Port of Mormugao, Captain Panjwani.

On behalf of the United States, let me thank you for welcoming all of us here.

Jeannie and I have been here three times over the last 11 months to welcome U.S. Navy vessels to Goa. The USS Boxer came to Goa in March 2004, and then in October we had three ships here; the Cowpens, Gary, and Alexandria. This visit is special for another reason as it is the first time a Commander of Seventh Fleet has come to Goa. Vice Admiral Greenert is the most senior officer to ever visit this historic port.

Five ships in 11 months. To me, that shows the U.S.-India relationship continues to get stronger, particularly between our navies. Military cooperation remains one of the most important, visible, and proactive forces powering the transformation of U.S.-India relations. Our cooperation is strengthened because of the Indian and U.S. military establishments' mutual desire to deepen our relationship. I could not be happier that U.S. Navy ship visits to Goa are becoming a frequent event.

People-to-people ties are just as important, and perhaps more so here in India, than how governments work together. Over 2 million Non-resident Indians, or NRIs, are in the U.S. today and they retain strong ties back here to their home country. Thus, the Blue Ridge's crew's participation in their Community Relations project is certainly noticed and appreciated here. As is typical for our men and women in uniform, this crew saw their visit to India as more than an opportunity to interact with another culture and different people - they make sure to give to the community.

Yesterday, in Old Goa, they went to St. Francis Xavier's Vocational Center for physically and mentally challenged children. In addition to the USS Blue Ridge band performing for the young people, other members of the crew spent the day painting and refurbishing the Center.

For the crew of the Blue Ridge, India will no longer just be a faraway land - it is now a welcoming port of call full of excitement and new friends.

In closing, Jeannie and I want to thank you again for hosting us onboard this great ship. We wish you all fair winds in the future, and look forward to seeing you back here in Goa.