Battle Force Fifth Fleet welcomes Richardson

The Honorable Bill Richardson, United States Ambassador to the United Nations was aboard Independence Sunday to meet and speak with Sailors about their role in Operation Southern Watch.

"I just witnessed, along with my delegates, an example of America’s great skill, precision, sea power, and why we’re the best in the world," Richardson said after spending time watching Independence perform flight operations.

Richardson spoke to hundreds of I-5 Sailors packed in the ship’s forecastle. He also took the time before departing to answer questions and shake hands.

"I join all Americans in saying how proud I am of the work you’re doing for our Navy, and our country…" he said. "As a member of the President’s Cabinet and National security team, I’m also deeply aware of the critical contributions that the Independence, as well as the entire Navy, makes to our national security. The United States has and always will be a maritime nation."

Richardson said he was here to personally thank the Independence crew on behalf of President Clinton, his staff, and himself. He praised the Sailors for their forward presence in the Arabian Gulf that helped bring about a peaceful resolution to the Iraq crisis.

"Finally and most importantly, I want to again express my gratitude to the great personal sacrifice each one of you is making for America," Richardson said. "You’re often deployed for many months at a time, and in between those long deployments, you’re constantly at sea to sustain your readiness. Separation from your family and friends is a fact of life [for you] as you serve your country far from home, and while you’re at sea, you work around the clock in challenging and often very dangerous jobs."

"Our country is fortunate to have men and women like you willing to make these extraordinary sacrifices to the service of our country," he emphasized.