• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Partnership of the Americas Arrives in Amapala

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070809-20
Release Date: 8/9/2007 6:19:00 PM

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

AMAPALA, Honduras (NNS) -- USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) arrived Aug. 4, in Amapala to participate in theater security cooperation operations ashore in support of Partnership of the Americas (POA) 2007.

While in port, Sailors will take part in subject matter expert exchanges in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, outboard motor repair, small boat operations and patrol boat maintenance with the Honduran Navy.

“With these types of events we will have the opportunity to operate together as a team, interact with each other and put in practice our skills,” said Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class Everett Albright.

Other activities scheduled to take place during this port visit are a soccer tournament, a barbeque, luncheons on board Pearl Harbor with civilian and military dignitaries and guided ship tours.

"I am excited about this port visit,” said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Edith Murillo. "I look forward to interacting with the Honduran Navy, and learning more about their country.”

Sailors will be delivering Project Handclasp material to the Coyolito and San Lorenzo communities, including medical kits, toys, hygiene products, sewing machines and food items.

“It is nice to know that we can help people in this country with some of the necessities,” said Yeoman 2nd Class Sze Tsang. “Just to see their faces once they receive the supplies brings a sense of fulfillment.”

Task Group 40.0 units are doing a series of theater security cooperation events in Central America and the Caribbean. During these activities, Sailors work directly with partner nation navies within a wide variety of exercises and events to improve understanding and interoperability between forces. At the end of August, Task Group 40.0 units will participate in PANAMAX 2007, a multinational exercise designed around defense of the Panama Canal.

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, under the command of 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 Latin America and the Caribbean.