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USS Pearl Harbor Arrives in Puerto Quetzal

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070726-13
Release Date: 7/26/2007 11:53:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Alexia M. Riveracorrea, Destroyer Squadron 40 Public Affairs

PUERTO QUETZAL, Guatemala (NNS) -- After a successful port visit in Panama, USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) arrived in Puerto Quetzal July 25, to perform a series of theater security cooperation (TSC) events in support of Partnership of the Americas (POA) 2007.

While in port, Sailors will be conducting subject matter expert exchanges with the Guatemalan Navy in the areas of vessel boarding, search and seizure (VBSS) procedures and outboard-motor maintenance.

“In Guatemala, Sailors will have the opportunity to operate together, which will develop and challenge their capability to respond to a wide variety of maritime missions while keeping the lines of communications open between regions,” said Cmdr. Victor Cooper, Pearl Harbor commanding officer. “These subject matter expert exchanges are vital to improve interoperability throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.”

Other activities scheduled during this port visit include the delivery of Project Handclasp items such as food and medical supplies to local organizations, and a community relations project at Calvary Chapel in Guatemala City.

“I look forward to working and interacting with Guatemalan Sailors during this port visit,” said Ship’s Serviceman 3rd Class (SW) Edmund Rampola, “This is my first time in Puerto Quetzal, and it’s going to be a great experience.”

The primary focus of current POA 2007 operations is conducting TSC events such as military-to-military contacts and interoperability training through subject matter expert exchanges.

“These types of activities give sailors the opportunity to exchange ideas, interact with partner navies at the individual level, and to provide assistance to the local community in order to enhance regional partnership and to promote hemispheric stability,” said Lt. Ricardo Roman, Pearl Harbor’s operations officer.

For the next two months, Pearl Harbor and other ships of Task Group 40.0 will be working directly with partner nations in Central America and the Caribbean to complete a wide variety of maritime exercises and events designed to improve interoperability and cooperation at sea. At the end of August, the Task Group will participate in PANAMAX 2007, an exercise that simulates defending the Panama Canal from attack.

POA Task Group 40.0 consists of Pearl Harbor, guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57), guided missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) and the staff of Destroyer Squadron 40, commanded by Capt. Randy Snyder.

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 throughout South America and the Caribbean.

For more information U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and Partnership of the Americas 2007, visit http://www.cusns.navy.mil.