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Partnership of the Americas Departs El Salvador

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070808-14
Release Date: 8/8/2007 6:05:00 PM

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

LA UNION, El Salvador (NNS) -- USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) departed El Salvador Aug. 3 after completing a port visit during which crew members participated in a variety of theater security cooperation events.

Pearl Harbor, a unit of Partnership of the Americas (POA) Task Group 40.0, engaged in activities that further developed relations, fostered new friendships, and worked with the Salvadoran Navy.

Pearl Harbor Sailors participated in subject matter expert exchanges, met with local civilian and military leaders, completed a community relations event on Isla de Perico, delivered Project Handclasp materials, competed in sporting events, and participated in a celebratory barbeque with personnel from El Salvador.

"We came as a team with a positive attitude looking to do our best in El Salvador," said Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) 1st Class Andrea Moore. "I firmly believe that we made a lasting impression on all those we interacted with."

Sailors painted the village school house, constructed a new latrine and kitchen area, and cleared heavy brush from areas surrounding the village center of Isla de Perico. They also distributed Project Handclasp materials to the citizens of the island.

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.

Highlighting the community relations project was a visit from the U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador, Charles Glazer. Glazer flew in on an Army UH-60L Blackhawk Helicopter, surveyed the property, greeted Sailors and citizens, and answered questions from local and national newspaper and television reporters.

"It was great to have the ambassador fly in and see what we were doing," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Joshua Parrish. "It meant a lot to us to be personally thanked for our hard work and efforts to help the citizens of Isla de Perico."

As part of the subject matter expert exchanges, Sailors met with their Salvadoran counterparts exchanging information on weapons maintenance, small motor maintenance, proper firefighting techniques and air-conditioner repair.

"I could tell right away that these guys love their job as much as I do," said Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Louie Mitts. "It was a very professional exchange of knowledge between us, and everyone walked away having learned something."

The port visit culminated with sporting tournaments and a barbeque.

"It was a great way to wrap things up," said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Jonathan Fehling. "The food was delicious, and I made some great new friends in El Salvador."

POA 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.