By Ensign Todd B. Chen, USS Ingraham Public Affairs
CHITTAGONG, Bangladesh (NNS) -- The guided-missile frigate USS Ingraham (FFG-61) will conduct a port call in Chittagong, Bangladesh March 1-3. This is the first time Ingraham has visited Bangladesh.
During the port call, the crew will participate in various local cultural activities, professional military-to-military exchanges with the Bangladesh Navy and community service projects as coordinated by the U.S. Embassy.
"Bangladesh is preparing to launch its ship-based helicopter program, and USS Ingraham will have the opportunity to train with the Bangladesh Navy Sailors and pilots who will be responsible for operating helicopters on their ships," said Cmdr. Adam J. Welter, Ingraham's commanding officer. "One of the best aspects of what we do is working along side our international counterparts, getting to know Sailors from around the world and seeing where they live and how they operate and sharing with them how we operate. The whole crew is looking forward to this visit and the valuable opportunity to strengthen the relationship between the U.S. Navy and the Bangladeshi military."
This visit is the latest in a series of port calls by U.S. Navy ships and demonstrates the United States Government's commitment to Bangladesh and to regional security by relationships throughout Asia and the Pacific.