Everett Honors Locally Homeported Ship

EVERETT, Wash. - The Everett City Council honored the captain and crew of guided missile frigate USS Ford (FFG 54) with a proclamation and presentation of the city's flag.

Ford returned last month from a six-month deployment in support of Maritime Strategy participating in Peruvian PASSEX 2009 and Team Work South 2009.

"A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of being at the pier when they were returning from their six-month deployment, and I was struck by the fact that the mission of the Navy has really been evolving to become a force of good in the world," said Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson.

While on deployment, USS Ford intercepted $425 million in cocaine and assisted in a number of search and rescue missions off the coasts of Panama, Colombia and Guatemala.

Stephanson extended his appreciation by declaring Nov. 18, USS Ford Appreciation Day in Everett and credited the crew for their brave and selfless actions, their loving support of their families, and for defending the nation in their pursuit of maintaining safe seas worldwide.

The mayor presented Cmdr. Cord Luby, Ford commanding officer, with the city of Everett's flag and the proclamation.

"I appreciate today and this flag," said Luby. "I talked to a few of my Sailors about this, and they think it is pretty cool. We all know how much the city of Everett supports the Navy up here in the Pacific Northwest, and it's pretty special to us. It is very rewarding to be part of a deployment were you know you are making a difference and taking drugs off the street."