Chilean Sailors Visit Bonhomme Richard
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060616-19
6/16/2006
By Journalist 2nd Class (SW) Ryan Valverde, USS Bonhomme Richard Public Affairs
SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- More than 50 Chilean navy junior officers from the Training Ship Esmeralda visited the multipurpose amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) June 6.
According to Chilean naval officer Lt. Cmdr. Herman Parga Balaresque, the visit was a way for the Chilean sailors to see how other navies work.
"This will enable our navy to meet sailors on other ships," said Balaresque.
The Chilean sailors were divided into four groups and toured through various spaces aboard BHR, including medical spaces, the flight deck, the well deck, vulture’s row and the hangar bay.
The tour was also a learning experience for the BHR tour guides, as well.
"I assisted with Spanish translation," said Lithographer 2nd Class (SW) Eric Lopez of Norwalk, Calif. "They had a lot of questions."
Lopez said the Chilean sailors were very interested in the ship and its crew.
"They asked about our Harriers and helicopters," explained Lopez. "Their ship is a sail-powered tall ship, so they do many things the old fashioned way."
The tour concluded with remarks from BHR Commanding Officer Capt. Steve Greene.
"The tour provided a great opportunity for us to meet with and welcome our Chilean naval allies," said Greene. "Bonhomme Richard’s heritage reaches all the way back to the days of sail, so this visit was a great opportunity for our crew to interact with sailors of Chile’s 'tall ship' and talk about the experience of work and life aboard a sailing vessel."
BHR is currently training and preparing future operations at sea.
For related news, visit the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/lhd6/.
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