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USS Pearl Harbor Departs Puerto Quetzal

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070731-01
Release Date: 7/31/2007 7:40:00 AM

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

PUERTO QUETZAL, Guatemala (NNS) -- USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) departed Puerto Quetzal July 28, after participating in theater security cooperation activities including a community relations project and other events ashore in support of Partnership of the Americas (POA) 2007 deployment.

During the port visit, Sailors contributed in a community relations project in which they constructed a new concrete roof over a second story meeting room for Calvary Chapel in Guatemala City.

"All labor was done by hand; it was a lot of hard work, but the Sailors and I would go back in a heartbeat to do more," said Lt. Dennis Wheeler, Pearl Harbor's chaplain. "This is another example of professionalism and dedication to build partnerships in the region."

Sailors mixed concrete in the street by shovels, and lifted buckets of cement by rope to the second story, where they were then carried by hand up a ladder to the roof. From there the buckets were poured out and packed into the form to create the roof. The area of the roof was approximately 25" x 60" for a total area of 1500 square feet.

While Pearl Harbor Sailors labored on the roof, the chapel was busy preparing a traditional Guatemalan meal of meat and rice to show their appreciation for all the work that was being done.

"Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the great meal and their gratitude made the project all the more worthwhile," said Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Glenda Techur.

Two pallets of Project Handclasp material of hygiene items and assorted supplies were also distributed by Sailors for use in the community and will be used by the church to help local citizens.

Other activities conducted in port included subject matter expert exchanges on vessel, boarding, search, and seizure and outboard motor maintenance and repair.

A reception was also hosted on board Pearl Harbor with Guatemalan dignitaries in attendance. During the reception the ship's commanding officer expressed his appreciation for everyone's support of POA and the continuation of building partnerships and friendship.

"I thank Guatemala for allowing us to have this opportunity to work towards common goals of subject matter exchanges and friendship," said Cmdr. Victor Cooper, Pearl Harbor commanding officer.

After completing a short underway period, Pearl Harbor will visit La Union, El Salvador to conduct additional Partnership of the Americas theater security cooperation events.

POA Task Group 40.0 consists of dock landing ship Pearl Harbor, guided missile destroyer USS Mitscher (DDG 57), guided missile frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58), and the staff of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 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 through a variety of exercises and events at sea and ashore throughout South America and the Caribbean.