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Task Group 40.0 Departs Callao

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070709-16
Release Date: 7/9/2007 5:07:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Damien Horvath, Destroyer Squadron 40 Public Affairs

CALLAO, Peru (NNS) -- Partnership of the Americas (POA) Task Group 40.0 departed Callao July 6, after completing a port visit to experience local culture and interact with partner nations.

After completing UNITAS Pacific phase, a port visit to Callao gave Sailors the opportunity to meet counterparts from the navies of Peru and Chile and build on the professional teamwork and camaraderie they developed during the exercise at sea.

While in port, units from Task Group 40.0 participated in a variety of events including a sporting tournament, wardroom exchanges, a formal wreath-laying ceremony in honor of Peruvian sailors killed in battle, and receptions on board USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), Chilean frigate Almirante Latorre (FFG 14), and the Peruvian San Borja Naval Facility.

In addition to the social events, Sailors from Task Group 40.0 extended assistance to the local populace by completing community relations projects and delivery of Project Handclasp materials.

“It is always rewarding to help in any way we can,” said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Ivonne Brennick. “It never ceases to amaze me what an impact these community relation projects seem to have on those who work on them and those for whom we work to assist.”

Sailors from USS Mitscher (DDG 57) and Pearl Harbor teamed up with partner nation representatives from Peru to deliver eight pallets of Project Handclasp materials to the Catholic chapel “Virgen de Fatima,” and four pallets of materials to the girl’s orphanage “Pachacutec y la Casa hogar Hijas de la Misericordia.”

Project Handclasp receives support from donors around the United States. Contributions include supplies such as basic medical kits, toys, hygiene products, sewing machines, and food items. The donations were accepted by the Stella Marris organization, which assists partner nation Sailors and their families in time of need.

Also contributing to community outreach operations were 12 Sailors from Pearl Harbor, who performed volunteer work at an orphanage run by Cavalry Chapel of Lima. There the Sailors moved bricks, chipped tiles, cleaned paint off of brass grill window coverings and dug trenches for future water, sewer lines, and a cistern.

“After three months of coordinating and participating in numerous community relations projects throughout South America, we have a firm grasp on what we need to accomplish at each event,” said Ensign Christopher Reintjes, Mitscher community relations coordinator. “When it is completed we see a final outcome and a positive end result, and we have never fallen short of our goals.”

Shortly after departing from port, Task Group 40.0 executed a passing exercise (PASSEX) with the Peruvian Navy. The exercise involved five ships, two submarines, and a Peruvian aircraft. The PASSEX included undersea warfare exercises, tactical maneuvering, maritime patrol and replenishment at sea events to increase interoperability and enhance relations between the Peruvian and U.S. navies.

“We conducted our operations flawlessly with the Peruvians,” said Boatswain’s Mate 2nd Class Meghan Breed. “It is very satisfying to know that we can count on them and they count on us in just about any situation at sea.”

Partnership of the Americas Task Group 40.0 consists of dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52), guided- missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) and guided-missile destroyer Mitscher under the leadership of Capt. Randy Snyder, Commander Destroyer Squadron 40. The Task Group also included Chilean frigate CS Almirante Latorre (FFG 14), which detached in Peru to return to Chile.

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