Sacha Walters, Staff Reporter
American Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson is all smiles with Commander Bill Campbell while visiting the commander's ship, the USS De Wert, Monday, December 10. The vessel docked in Kingston for a one-day visit. - Photos by Sacha Walters
A day on the seas. well, almost no sailing was involved, as the vessel was docked for the two-hour reception and it was by no means a cruise ship, but a United States naval vessel, transformed into one.
With American oldies music coming from the speakers, the navy boys, dressed in pristine white, contrasted with the greyness of the ship.
Commander Bill Campbell, captain of the 150-metre-long, 3,800-tonne USS De Wert, welcomed the United States Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson aboard, and the two soon exchanged caps.
The mood remained light with security personnel and ambassadors mingling during cocktails. Transport and Works Minister Mike Henry showed he, too, knew how to be playful, giving the American Ambassador a salute as he boarded.
However, not forgetting protocol, guests paused along with the navy members for 'Colours', or the lowering of the American flag. It's a practice which occurs 8:00 a.m. and at sundown every day.
"We are so proud of all of you serving in our military," said Ambassador LaGrange Johnson in her brief address to the audience. She wished the military members happy holidays. One Jamaican member of the crew, boat mate Adrian Johnson, was lucky enough to have his family visit him. Other Jamaicans who are a part of the crew are Master Seaman Ainsley Bowen and Boat Mate 3 Ripdon Bennett.
Guests included: Canadian Ambassador Denis Kingsley, German Ambassador Jurgen Engel and wife Ana Martha, Mexican Ambassador Leonora Rueda, Police Commissioner, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, Operations Specialist first class Brian Weiss, Operations Specialist second class Andrew Rittenour, and Seaman Apprentice Surface Warfare Matthew Wilson.
Canadian High Commissioner Denis Kingsley (left) and Police Commissioner, Rear Admiral Hardley Lewin, have a couple of beers at the holiday reception.
