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Partnership of the Americas Arrives in El Salvador

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070731-05
Release Date: 7/31/2007 8:51:00 AM

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

LA UNION, El Salvador (NNS) -- USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) arrived in La Union July 30, after completing a port visit to Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala and a short underway period.

Pearl Harbor, a unit of Partnership of the Americas (POA) 2007 Task Group 40.0, will engage in theater security cooperation activities to further develop relations, foster new friendships and improve interoperability with the El Salvadorian Navy.

While in port, Sailors from Pearl Harbor will participate in subject matter expert exchanges, sporting events, meet with local civilian and military leaders, and help the local populace by completing community relations events and delivering Project Handclasp materials.

"We look forward to working with El Salvador's citizens in any way possible," said Aerographer's Mate 2nd Class Kathryn Roe. "This is a unique opportunity for us to make a difference in the lives of the people of El Salvador."

Pearl Harbor Sailors will distribute Project Handclasp materials to the Isla de Perico orphanage and perform routine maintenance and painting on the shelter. Project Handclasp receives support from donors around the United States. Contributions include supplies such as medical kits, toys, hygiene products, sewing machines and food items.

In addition to the various outreach projects, Pearl Harbor Sailors will participate in a sporting tournament with their El Salvador counterparts, followed by a picnic to continue to build the camaraderie between the partner nations.

"I enjoy playing in the sporting events," said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Jonathan Fehling. "It gives us a break from our normal routine and a chance to engage in some friendly competition with other countries."

For the next two months, ships of Task Group 40.0 will be doing a series of theater security cooperation events in Central America and the Caribbean. During these activities, Sailors will work directly with partner nation navies within a wide variety of maritime exercises. At the end of August, the Task Group will participate in PANAMAX 2007, an exercise that simulates defending the Panama Canal from attack.

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

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