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Nicaraguan Sailors Train with Stout

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060515-01
Release Date: 5/15/2006 8:55:00 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) and members of the Nicaraguan navy spent two days interacting and training May 11-12 to strengthen relations between the two navies as part of a theater security cooperation exercise in the Caribbean Sea.

During the first day, Stout anchored off the Nicaraguan coast and sent a small team to troubleshoot and repair a radar site aboard Nicaraguan Coast Guard Ship 203, Rio Grande de Matagalpa.

“Their radar was not displaying any video, so we worked hand-in-hand with our Nicaraguan counterparts and helped identify the parts that required replacement,” said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Eugene Jordan. “We also provided them with technical documentation to help repair and maintain the radar in the future.”

The first night, Stout’s crew extended their hospitality and welcomed members of the Nicaraguan navy during an ice cream social and flight deck movie. Stout’s Spanish-speaking crew members acted as translators and guides for the Nicaraguan crew, showing them around the ship and explaining everyday life.

The next morning, the Nicaraguan crew was invited to take part in various training exercises, including basic damage control, weapons demonstrations, and visit, board, search and seizure exercises.

“I thought training went very well,” said Damage Controlman 2nd Class (SW) Paul Conway. “They were just very interested in how we do things on board Stout.”

The Nicaraguan sailors also visited different departments to learn about Stout’s capabilities in combat systems, operations and engineering.

“I really appreciate being able to come on board and train with the U.S Navy,” said Nicaraguan sailor Oscar Nadora. “I hope to take what I have learned and share it with my shipmates.”

While the crew of Stout showed off how the U.S. Navy operates, the crew of Matagalpa played host to several members from the destroyer.

“The Nicaraguan sailors are very proficient in what they do,” said Lt. Ken Belkofer, Stout’s weapons officer. “They do a lot of multitraining with the smaller ships. Their crew members are cross-trained to work in deck, engineering and drive the ship.”

After two days of training together, members from both navies learned from each other and strengthened relationships.

“I feel good that we’re working together, and the U.S. Navy is showing us some support in what they do down in the Caribbean, while we do operations together,” said Seaman Juan Jose Miranada.

Stout is currently deployed as a unit of “Partnership of the Americas,” 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.