The President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), Dr. Hilda C. Heine and U.S. Ambassador to the Marshall Islands, Karen B. Stewart visited submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40), March 15.

During the visit, the president and ambassador received an update on the ship's operations while anchored out, interacted with Sailors, and had a luncheon with key members of Frank Cable and the Los Angeles-class attack submarine USS Pasadena (SSN 752).

"I was very impressed," said Heine. "A ship that is 40 years old, in great condition is impressive! Captain Drew St. John (Frank Cable commanding officer) and his crew were very professional."

Frank Cable Sailors and civilian mariners, attached to Military Sealift Command, demonstrated their specialized tender-craftsmanship, explained bridge operations, displayed Frank Cable's medical facilities, and showcased Pasadena which was moored alongside.

"Seeing the ship, as well as the submarine up close, highlighted for us the military might of the U.S. government," said Heine. "Overall, I think the visitors went away appreciating what RMI is all about and what it has to offer."

Heine is the first woman to hold the presidency of the Marshall Islands. She is also the first female president of any Micronesian country, and only the fourth woman to serve as head of government for any independent Pacific nation following Prime Ministers Jenny Shipley and Helen Clark of New Zealand and Julia Gillard of Australia.

Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Michelle Gonzalez, a native of Laredo, Texas, and president of Frank Cable's diversity committee, who was invited to the lunch as a guest of St. John, said she was very nervous at first, but she soon realized the president was a very respectable and humble lady.

"It was an honor for me to sit with them at the table," said Gonzalez. "I was very surprised to see how humble even the president of the Marshall Islands was, and at the same time it made me very happy to be an American. It made me proud to see how impressed her and her party was on the work that Frank Cable Sailors perform day to day."

When asked how it was supporting Frank Cable and Pasadena, if it was good for relations between the RMI and the US, Hilde said, "People-to-people relations are always important, and I am certain improved understanding on both sides resulted from the visit."

Frank Cable, en route to Portland, Oregon, for her scheduled dry-dock maintenance availability, conducts maintenance and supports submarines and surface vessels in the 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operations.

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