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USS Albuquerque Furthers Partnerships with Visit to Trinidad and Tobago

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070727-20
Release Date: 7/27/2007 6:41:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Holly Boynton, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command Public Affairs

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO (NNS) -- Fast-attack submarine USS Albuquerque (SSN 706) began a weeklong visit to Trinidad and Tobago on July 22 as part of a continuing U.S. naval presence within the Caribbean and Latin America.

Albuquerque’s deployment to the U.S. Southern Command’s (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility reflects the U.S. Navy’s commitment to the region. While deployed, Albuquerque is under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command.

“This is another significant deployment that provides Navy presence in the region and underscores our commitment to our regional partners,” said Commander U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, Rear Adm. James W. Stevenson Jr.

During their short visit in the Port of Spain, the Albuquerque crew conducted a community relations (COMREL) project and held a reception for local dignitaries and distinguished visitors.

“Our time here is an important part of our mission to support U.S. Navy presence in the region,” said Albuquerque Commanding Officer Cmdr. Robert Douglass. “It’s also a great opportunity for the crew to enjoy a spectacular port visit.”

Shortly after arriving, more than 20 Albuquerque Sailors volunteered their time and energy at the Rainbow Rescue Shelter in Belmont. The shelter is an orphanage for under-privileged children and a community center where the area children play. Participants cleaned and painted the building’s exterior walls.

“Albuquerque is excited to be here and be able to contribute to the community in a positive manner,” said Chief Hospital Corpsman Jason Bond, Albuquerque’s COMREL project coordinator.

Albuquerque also hosted a reception in the Chaguaramas port area, during which local businessmen and country leaders mingled with the sub’s crew. This face-to-face interaction is the key to strengthening bonds.

Douglass emphasized this, “the best way to have a positive, productive port visit is to give people a chance to interact, this is our focus while we get to be here.”

Albuquerque’s visit to Trinidad and Tobago brings a unique capability into the Caribbean and is one of several deployments the Navy is conducting within Latin America in support of USSOUTHCOM’s Theater Security Cooperation.

USNS Comfort (T-AH 20), a Navy hospital ship, is currently on a medical training and assistance deployment with embarked medical and support teams from the U.S. Public Health Service, U.S. Army, Air Force, Coast Guard and Canadian forces, and several governmental and non-governmental organizations.

The high-speed vessel HSV-2 Swift is operating as a Navy Pilot Program for a Global Fleet Station concept, with embarked Navy and Coast Guard teams, conducting training to a number of nations' maritime services.

A dedicated U.S. Navy Expeditionary Strike Group, accompanied by a Chilean frigate until early July, is conducting an annual “Partnership of the Americas” deployment, to include the circumnavigation of South America and participation of significant exercises and personnel exchanges.

The U.S. Navy surface and air forces are deployed in support of the Joint Inter-Agency Task Force South (JIATF-S), in Key West, Fla., to counter the trafficking of illegal drugs. Additionally, U.S. Navy Seabees are in the region participating in exercises and performing a multitude of projects in various nations, such as repairs to water delivery systems and roadways, and building clinics and schools.