MAYOR MASIELLO TO WELCOME NAVY FRIGATE TO BUFFALO
August 21, 1999
Contact: Peter K. Cutler (716) 851-4841

BUFFALO (8/21/99) - Mayor Anthony M. Masiello will welcome the USS Clark to Buffalo on Monday, August 23, 1999. The vessel, a 445-foot guided missile frigate, is conducting a Great Lakes tour and will arrive Monday from Erie, Pennsylvania. The Clark's visit marks the first time a United States Naval ship has visited Buffalo since 1990.

"The City of Buffalo is delighted to welcome Commander Albert F. Lord, Jr. and the entire crew of the USS Clark," stated Mayor Masiello. "Our strong connection to the Great Lakes and our preeminent position in our nation's inland maritime history make the Clark's visit all the more important. So many of our citizens have contributed to our nation's military history and many served proudly with the Navy; I am certain they will provide a warm welcome to our visitors."

The USS Clark is the fifth ship of the Oliver Hazard Perry Class of guided missile frigates. Comprised of more than 50 ships, the class is the Navy's largest and newest class of combatant construction program since World War II. The Clark's mission is to provide in-depth Anti-Submarine Warfare protection for military and merchant shipping, amphibious expeditionary forces and underway replenishment groups.

The ship is named for World War II Naval hero, Admiral Joseph James "Jocko" Clark. Admiral Clark served as commanding officer aboard the USS Suwanee and the new USS Yorktown. He commanded a carrier task group during World War II, commanded TASK FORCE 77 during the Korean War and eventually was assigned commander of the Seventh Fleet.

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Since the ship will arrive late Monday afternoon, the general public may visit the ship on Tuesday, August 24 between 1:00 pm and 6:00 pm. The ship will be docked at the old NFTA Terminal 'B' marine port (now privately owned by Euro United Inc.). Anyone wishing to visit the ship must park at The Pier Restaurant parking lot off of Fuhrman Boulevard. The NFTA will provide free shuttle service between The Pier parking lot and the USS Clark. Admission to the ship is free.

"The NFTA is pleased to work with the city and the Navy on this exciting visit," stated Douglas Hartmeyer, NFTA Director of Public Affairs. "As on other recent special public events (President Clinton's visit; NHL Playoffs), the NFTA is committed to providing reliable and efficient public transportation to our region's residents. We are particularly delighted to welcome the USS Clark and its entire crew to Buffalo."

The city thanks Euro United Inc., the NFTA, The Pier Restaurant, the Buffalo Yacht Club and Rural Metro Ambulance Service for their assistance in welcoming the USS Clark to Buffalo.

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