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Message: Here's a great article I found at www.northwestnavigator.com: -- Navy Region Northwest and Coast Guard District 13 welcomed French Navy Frigate Le Prairial (F 731) to Seattle, Nov. 16. USS Ford (FFG 54) will host Prairial’s crew for their entire visit to the Northwest Nov. 16 through 21. “It [spending time with the French Navy] is something that nobody else gets to do in this country,” said Operations Specialist Seaman Apprentice Jose Aroche, Ford operations department. “That’s why I joined the Navy; it’s new and different. You don’t see many civilians getting to do this. I look forward to spending time with them throughout the week.” U.S. Coast Guard and Ford line handlers aided the French ship in docking at Seattle’s Pier 66. The French were officially welcomed by the arrival party, which included Commander Destroyer Squadron 9, Capt. Jeffrey Harley; Naval Station Everett Executive Officer Cmdr. Donald Leingang; and Ford Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Michael Taylor, who was accompanied by his officers, crew and honor guard. “The last French warship to visit Seattle was Le Prairial nine years ago,” said French Navy Cmdr. Frederic de Rupilly, Le Prairial commanding officer. “We thought we’d pay a visit to the U.S. and Canadian navies.” The Floreal Class surveillance frigate’s main duty is to patrol overseas maritime zones over which France exercises its sovereignty. In peacetime, they assist navigational police, control fishing and protect commercial traffic. In addition, the surveillance frigate conducts representative missions in distant countries and can offer assistance in humanitarian operations. At 6 p.m. that night, an official reception was held aboard Le Prairial, which included approximately 60 Sailors from various commands in the region. Guests included Commander , Navy Region Northwest, Rear Adm. William French, and Commander Carrier Strike Group 9, Rear Adm. John Goodwin. Ford Sailors also attended the event. “I volunteered to come to the reception,” said Operations Specialist Seaman (SW) Colby Blair, Ford operations department. “I wanted to see a foreign ship and mingle with a foreign Navy.” During the reception, French Sailors talked excitedly about Washington and what they wanted to do in Seattle. “I want to see life in the state of Washington. This is the hometown of great American companies and well-known people. It’s a beautiful place to be,” said Lt. Antoine Morcello, Le Prairial chief engineer. “We hope to meet more people from the Navy here.” Other French Sailors commented about the opportunity to work with the U.S. Navy. “It’s a great opportunity to work with U.S. Navy,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Yann Sicamois, Le Prairial signalman. “Given the task our ship has, we don’t have very many opportunities to work with other navies.” While in the Seattle area, French sailors will have a barbecue with Ford crewmembers and the U.S. Coast Guard, eat lunch on board USS Shoup (DDG 86), visit the Smokey Point Navy Support Complex Navy Exchange, host tours on board their ship and play in a basketball tournament with Ford Sailors and U.S. Coast Guard service members. “I will play basketball against Navy tomorrow,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Marc Delmas, Le Prairial distribution and supply clerk. “I’m ready to fight and win. It’s a good time to discover other navies and make new American friends.” Win or lose, Le Prairial is scheduled to set sail for Vancouver British Columbia after their official farewell Nov. 21. http://www.northwestnavigator.com/index.php/navigator/regionalnews/region_welcomes_french_warship_to_seattle/
