Rear Admiral Grant Sharp, commander of the U.S. Sixth Fleet whose flagship, the aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy, was anchored at Haifa last week, received a plaque from the Jewish National Fund of America and a promise by the JNF to plant 100 trees in honor of the Sixth Fleet in the American Independence Forest outside Jerusalem.
Grant reciprocated by presenting a plaque to the JNF expressing thanks for its support of the U.S. Navy. It was accepted by Rabbi Joseph Sternstein, JNF national president, on behalf of the delegates attending the JNF’s Third National Assembly in Israel. The Admiral also invited the delegates to tour the giant carrier.
The JNF group was plainly delighted. “How proud we are to see our flag flying in Haifa Bay,” Sternstein said. “How proud we are of our country, and to be able to see the U.S. Navy in our homeland.”
Sharp said in response, “It’s been inspiring to see you all here and that you appreciate what we’re doing. We are on a mission of peace. It is essential that our fellow Americans appreciate and understand our service.”
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
