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Samuel B. Roberts Sailors Enjoy First Port Call

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070416-11
Release Date: 4/16/2007 10:01:00 AM

By Ens. Christy Campbell, USS Samuel B. Roberts Public Affairs

USS SAMUEL B. ROBERTS, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) "Sammy B" departed her first port call of Port de France, Martinique April 7 to begin the transit south to join the rest of Task Group 40 currently deployed in support of Partnership of Americas (POA) 2007.

POA is a deployment focused on enhancing cooperative partnerships with regional maritime services throughout South America and Caribbean through a variety of exercises and events at sea and ashore.

After arriving in Port de France April 3 with the Chilean Navy Frigate, CS Almirante Latorre, who set sail with Samuel B. Roberts from Mayport, Fla. March 28, Commanding Officer Cmdr. Marc Weeks hosted a reception aboard to kick-off the port visit and initiate military and civilian relation building. Relation building is a key focal point of the POA mission.

Sailors from the three Navies socialized during the reception while enjoying the backdrop of the setting Caribbean sun. A SH-60B helicopter was on display, one of two from Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 48 embarked aboard the Samuel B. Roberts for the POA deployment.

The following day, Sailors aboard “Sammy B” wasted little time after liberty call to don their swim suits and head for the local beaches. Many basked in the warm sunlight, enjoyed local Creole food, and shopped for interesting handmade souvenirs.

Although the Sailors found themselves enjoying the tropical island of Martinique through tours and relaxation, the Sailors of “Sammy B” also used this port as a means of developing teamwork with the crew of the Latorre. Fourteen sailors from the Latorre and seven from Samuel B. Roberts joined together to form a soccer team and play the French Navy team stationed in Martinique.

Sporting events are also important ways to accomplish the mission of Partnership of Americas by building friendships and teamwork.

“Competing with the guys from the Latorre really gave us a chance to build camaraderie with sailors from our partner navy. Coming together on the soccer field, in a strange way, helps us understand one another and better work together as naval allies,” said Ensign Chris Myers, Samuel B. Roberts’ navigator.

Unfortunately for the Roberts-Latorre team, the French sailors held the edge on the soccer game and defeated the team 6-4.

Upon the arrival of United Kingdom’s ship HMS Ocean (L 12), an amphibious helicopter carrier, they hosted international socializing and relationship building by inviting officers from the Latorre, Roberts and the French Navy aboard their ship for a reception.

After departing Martinique Samuel B. Roberts and Latorre will be heading south to rendezvous with other ships of the Task Group that include USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) and USS Mitscher (DDG 51). The task group is led by Commodore Randy Snyder, Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40.