Navy League of the United States, Thailand Southern Seaboard Council

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Navy League Phuket is a non-profit organization, open to all nationalities, supporting the men and women of the sea services and their families.

Phuket Navy League Ships Visit Log

We are pleased to be able to host the officers and crew of the ships making port of call here in Phuket. If you would like to join in these interesting events please feel welcome. Your interest is another measure of the support we demonstrate for the U.S. Navy making visits to Phuket.

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Visiting Ship

USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), USS Ingraham (FFG 61)

October 29th, 2009

Ships Welcome Party

On October 29th, 2009 our Thailand Southern Seaboard Council hosted a "Ships Welcome" party for the officers and crew of

USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) | Offical Website | Wikipedia |
USS Ingraham (FFG 61) | Offical Website | Wikipedia |

DATE: Thursday October 29th

TIME: 19:00 PM - 21:00 PM (7pm - 9pm)

WHERE: BBQ Hut Smokehouse, Rat-U-Thit Road (across from Mercure hotel), Patong Beach.  (map & driving directions)

COST: League members: 200 Baht, visitors: 400 Baht (Navy personnel, VIPs and press @ no cost)

INCLUDES: Beer, whiskey, Great TexMex smokehouse food and some always interesting conversation

ATTENDING: We entertained nearly 60 officers and crew from both ships, along with many of our Navy League members and community supporters.

Our Guests Included

USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)

Capt. John W. Funk, Commanding Officer
Capt. Jonathan L. Harnden, Executive Officer
CMDCM(SW/AW) Theodore M. Verschueren, CMC

USS Ingraham (FFG 61)

CDR Matthew D. Ovios, Commanding Officer
LCDR Ernesto A. Rivera, Executive Officer
CMDCS (SW) Todd R. Gruchalla, CSC

Enjoy these pictures taken during our welcome party.

Our Navy League holds what we call a "ships welcome party" for some of the ship's officers, chiefs, and crew. The time is certainly lots of fun for everyone attending, and maybe most of all for those of us putting it on, just check out the smiles on the faces. In many of these pictures you'll see one of our League members presenting what is certainly a unique gift, a pah kamah cloth (pictured left) emblaizoned with one of our Phuket Navy League Patches (right). A pah kamah, literally a "cloth of the people," is ubiquitous throughout Thailand and is commonly worn in place of trousers or shorts, or used as a belt-like waist sash or even a head cloth. When used as a belt the pah kamah often secure a machete, axe or other tool.