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Task Group 40.0 Arrives in Mejillones

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070601-05
Release Date: 6/1/2007 11:37:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Alexia M. Riveracorrea, USS Pearl Harbor Public Affairs

MEJILLONES, Chile (NNS) -- Partnership of the Americas (POA) Task Group 40.0 arrived here May 30, after transiting the Strait of Magellan and conducting training off the central coast of Chile.

The port visit kicks off a series of combined exercises involving Navy and Marine Corp units from Chile, the United States, Britain and France. The exercises, known as Team Work South 2007, are hosted by Chile and are designed to improve interoperability between participating navies.

While in Mejillones, Sailors from USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) and USS Mitscher (DDG 57) will be working alongside their counterparts from the other navies to conduct community relations projects for Michilla’s Country School. Sailors will also renovate homes for handicapped children and perform maintenance on facilities at a local retirement community.

Though the projects help to enhance relationships with partner nations, there is more that drives Sailors to participate.

“For the most part, Sailors enjoy going out and helping other people. There is a place inside our hearts that becomes filled with a sense of joy when we help others,” said Lt. Dennis Wheeler, Pearl Harbor chaplain. “Most of the time we think that we are a blessing to others by the work we do or the things we bring, but we as Sailors also feel joy, satisfaction, and fulfillment.”

The visit to Mejillones is more than just work for Task Group 40.0 Sailors. Sporting events and a barbeque will be held as well, giving the opportunity for partner nation personnel to interact and learn more about each other.

“I look forward to the hospitality of the local Chileans and to extend our hand of friendship by doing community relations projects and by taking part in the local culture,” said Cryptologic Technician Interpretive 2nd Class Frances Salazar from Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40.

Task Group 40.0 consists of dock landing ship Pearl Harbor, guided-missile destroyer Mitscher, guided-missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) and Chilean frigate CS Almirante Latorre (FFG 14). The task group is commanded by Capt. Randy Snyder, Commander DESRON 40.

POA 2007 is a U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command deployment designed to support U.S. Southern Command in its area of responsibility by focusing on enhancing relationships with regional partner nations through a variety of exercises and events at sea and ashore throughout South America and the Caribbean.