THANK YOU TO USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN

UNCLAS BANGKOK 002606 SIPDIS SIPDIS PACOM FOR FPA HUSO PACFLT FOR ADM ROUGHEAD SEVENTH FLT FOR VADM GREENERT AND PAO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL MARR TH POL MIL SUBJECT: THANK YOU TO USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN RADM Goodwin, CAPT McCauley, CAPT Lausman and the men and women of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, Your visit to Thailand has helped us immeasurably to demonstrate tangible benefits of the U.S.-Thailand security relationship. The hospitality you showed me, my staff, and our guests was greatly appreciated. Your exemplary conduct while visiting Thailand will help us secure rights for future ship visits. But it was your willingness to host a Thai TV crew that probably had the greatest impact on the Thai people. Suthichai Yoon, host of one of the most influential TV news programs in Thailand, on April 24 and on May 1 aired two one hour programs on his visit to the USS Abraham Lincoln. The programs focused on the day-to-day operations of the ship, the awesome capabilities of the U.S. Navy, the security challenges we all face in this region, and your heroic efforts in responding to the Indian Ocean tsunami. These programs reached millions of Thai and represent one of the best opportunities we have had in years to demonstrate the tangible benefits of America's security relationship with Thailand. The people of Southeast Asia will always associate the Abraham Lincoln with America's can-do spirit and generous nature in responding to crises. Thanks to the work of your public affairs staff, the openness of your crew members who were interviewed, and the professional manner in which you operated, the people of Thailand have had an up-close illustration of why America remains vitally important to the security and well being of Asia. You are superb representatives of our country, a credit to your ship, and sterling examples of the men and women of the U.S. Navy. We hope to see you again soon and wish you godspeed on your deployment. Sincerely, Ambassador Ralph "Skip" Boyce BOYCE