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Special Events
Admiral Roughead, U.S. Chief of Naval
Operations,
On October 5, the Bonhomme Richard Project Team was invited to an award ceremony in honor of Admiral Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations.
Admiral Pierre-François Forissier, Chief of Naval Operations for the French Navy, awarded Admiral Roughead the “Commandeur de la Légion d’Honneur” award. The ceremony was held at the Residence of the Ambassador of France.
The Bonhomme Richard Project was mentioned in Admiral Forissier's speech:
"During his recent visit to France, the President of the United States stated that 'France was the first ally and friend of the United States'. As everyone here knows, throughout the centuries, our two nations have remained united at decisive moments in our history. Between our two Navies, this trusting relationship dates back to the creation of the United States Navy. Its founding figure, Captain John Paul Jones, aboard the 34 gun frigate Bonhomme Richard, won the Battle of Flamborough Head against the British 44-gun ship Serapis on September 23, 1779, 230 years ago almost to the day. The Bonhomme Richard was refitted in Lorient, the town in which I was born, where it embarked a hundred and forty men from the French Regiment of Walsh-Sérrent, stationed at the time in the town of Quimper in Brittany. This historic battle is the first example of our cooperation at sea. As you know, the French Navy has been offering some support to Ocean Technology Foundation and the Naval History and Heritage Command who are heading, under your leadership, the search for the wreck of this historic ship. I know that the Bonhomme Richard team is here today and I wish to congratulate them for their outstanding work and dedication. I am confident that they will succeed."
Below are some photos from the event:
Captain Jack Ringelberg, OTF
President, chats
Captain Bruno Deméocq, French Naval
Attaché,
Members of the Bonhomme Richard
Project Team. |
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