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Stout Hosts Dominican Republic Sailors During 'Partnership of the Americas'

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060424-06
Release Date: 4/24/2006 11:58:00 AM

By Photographer’s Mate Airman Tristan Miller, USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group Public Affairs

USS STOUT, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Stout (DDG 55) hosted members of the Dominican Republic's navy and marines April 20-21 as part of “Partnership of the Americas.”

The theatre security cooperation efforts between the two navies foster mutual commitments to regional stability and advance multinational interoperability through training and communications.

“A grand opportunity presented itself for our two navies to work, like they have done before, shoulder-to-shoulder in favor of their respective nations,” said U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic Hans H. Hertell. “It is an excellent opportunity that lends itself so that we may share with our neighbors of the region.”

Stout Sailors had the opportunity to visit the Dominican cutter Almirante Didiez (C 301) and patrol craft Altair (PB 112) during their recent port visit to Santo Domingo April 17-20. As Stout departed Santo Domingo, the Dominican sailors were welcomed aboard for two days of tours, training, and the chance to interact with U.S. Sailors.

Stout’s Spanish-speaking crew members acted as translators and guides for the Dominican crew, showing them around the ship and explaining procedures and operations aboard the guided-missile destroyer.

“I was selected because of the fact that I was born in Honduras and I speak Spanish,” said Electronics Technician 2nd Class (SW) Kelly Stichelvblanco. “It has been a pleasure for me to walk around with my Hispanic brothers and teach them about what the U.S. Navy is all about.”

While underway, the Dominican crew took part in various training, including damage control, casualty and man overboard drills, and visit, board, search and seizure exercises.

“I thought the training went very well. It’s kind of neat to bring them over here and show them our capabilities,” said Damage Controlman 2nd Class (SW) Paul Conway. “The translators we have on board are outstanding. They helped us out quite a bit.”

The ship riders also visited different departments to learn their functions, including combat systems, operations and engineering.

“I was really impressed with the engineering department,” said Chief Uberto Garcia, stationed on Almirante Didiez. “The chiefs walked us through all of their compartments, and they taught us about the gas turbine systems on board.”

After two days of training and strengthening relations, both navies now have a better impression of each other.

“I would like to stay, but I know that I have to leave. Everyone has been very good to us,” said Dominican navy Ensign Ciro G. Barias Paulino. “Our navies benefit a lot from working together. We have learned a lot about the way the U.S. Navy runs their ship.”

“Partnership of the Americas,” is a maritime training and readiness deployment of U.S. naval forces with countries from the Caribbean and Latin America in support of U.S. Southern Command objectives for enhanced maritime security.