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Halyburton Visits Peru

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS071023-08
Release Date: 10/23/2007 6:36:00 AM

By Ensign Jeramy Brux, USS Halyburton Public Affairs

SALAVERRY, Peru (NNS) -- USS Halyburton (FFG 40) enjoyed Peruvian hospitality and culture during a port call Oct. 8-11 that coincided with Peru’s Navy Day celebration.

While in Peru, Cmdr. Scott Pratt, Halyburton’s commanding officer, and Lt. Cmdr. Eric Lindfors, Halyburton’s executive officer, attended a Peruvian Navy Day reception with the mayor of Trujillo and other Peruvian dignitaries.

Navy Day is a national holiday in Peru, celebrated on Oct. 8 in commemoration of the Battle of Angamos in 1879 and the anniversary of the Peruvian Navy creation in 1821.

“It was an honor to be here to recognize Navy Day, especially since it falls so close to our own Navy birthday,” said Pratt. “These visits are key to helping us continue fostering relationships with partner nation navies, which is an important element of the new maritime strategy announced this week. While our Sailors have the chance to enjoy Peru, we also were able to give them the chance to work together and develop relationships that will last for years.”

Sailors had an opportunity to visit historic Trujillo, the third largest city in Peru. Sailors took time while in Trujillo to sample local cuisine and shop in a wide variety of shops.

“The shopping was excellent, and I enjoyed having a caricature drawn by a local artist,” said Ship’s Serviceman 2nd Class (SW) Erik Sandstrom.

Some Sailors got the chance to catch some waves on local beaches. Aviation Machinist's Mate 2nd Class Bryan McGinty of embarked Helicopter Anti Submarine Squadron Light 44 Det. 10, “Swamp Foxes,” was especially elated about getting the chance to surf in Peru.

“Being able to surf in Peru was great. I had been waiting a long time to surf somewhere other than the East coast of Florida, and Peru was everything I thought it would be. The water was cold, but the atmosphere, culture and waves made it well worth the wait,” said McGinty.

Halyburton, homeported in Mayport, Fla., is currently conducting counter narcoterrorism operations under the operational control of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and tactical control of Joint Interagency Task Force-South, in the U.S. Southern Command area of focus.