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Task Group 40.0 Arrives in Peru

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070702-11
Release Date: 7/2/2007 3:44:00 PM

By Mass Communications Specialist 3rd Class Damien Horvath, DESRON 40 Public Affairs

CALLAO, Peru (NNS) -- Partnership of the Americas (POA) Task Group 40.0 began arriving in Callao July 1, after completing UNITAS 48-07 Pacific phase and a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Peruvian Navy.

The port visit to Callao gives Sailors of Task Group 40.0 a chance to interact socially with counterparts from partner nation navies from Peru and Chile and build on the professional teamwork and camaraderie they developed during operations at sea.

While in port, units of POA Task Group 40.0 will participate in a variety of events, including a soccer tournament, community relations events, Project Handclasp material distribution and receptions on board USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), Chilean frigate CS Almirante Latorre (FFG 14), and the Peruvian San Borja Naval Facility.

“After participating in a very busy, but operationally rewarding UNITAS Pacific phase, the crew of Pearl Harbor is looking forward to the port [visit] to Callao. We had a great time at sea operating with the Columbian, Peruvian and Chilean navies, and we are looking forward to some fun in-port engagements,” said Pearl Harbor’s Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Victor Cooper. "We fully expect that Callao to be a highly successful port visit."

In addition to events on shore, Task Group 40.0 planners will work with counterparts from the Peruvian Navy to prepare for another PASSEX. The PASSEX will involve six ships, two submarines and a Peruvian aircraft. The exercise aims to increase interoperability and enhance military relations between the U.S. and Peruvian navies.

“It is always good when we can work together with our partner nations,” said Quartermaster Seaman Jordan Relich from Pearl Harbor. "I am looking forward to another great experience for us."

One of the community relations projects that Sailors will participate in while in port is delivery of Project Handclasp materials. Donors throughout the United States contribute needed supplies such as basic medical kits, toys, hygiene products, sewing machines, and food items to support this high-visibility community outreach program. Sailors will deliver the donations on behalf of the citizens of the United States to the non-profit organization Stella Marris, which assists partner nation Sailors and their families in times of need.

POA Task Group 40.0 units participating in the port visit include of dock landing ship Pearl Harbor, guided-missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57) and CS Almirante Latorre.

POA 2007 is a U.S. Naval Forces Southern command deployment focusing on is enhancing relationships with regional partner nations through a variety of exercises and events at sea and ashore throughout South America and the Caribbean.