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Boxer Arrives in Guatemala with Relief Capabilities

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080508-18
Release Date: 5/8/2008 3:39:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Michael E. Miller Jr., USS Boxer Public Affairs

QUETZAL, Guatemala (NNS) -- USS Boxer (LHD 4) along with various embarked units and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) arrived in Quetzal, May 6, for the first stop in Continuing Promise (CP) 2008.

CP is an equal partnership mission designed to combine partner nation and U.S. relief capabilities to demonstrate the lasting bonds and shared interests among neighbors.

During the 12-day visit to Guatemala, Boxer and its embarked units and NGOs will work side-by-side with local medical providers and civil engineers to provide medical and dental services, hospital equipment repair, school renovations and more.

"We're in their backyard and they're in our backyard. We're neighbors," said Boxer's commanding officer, Capt. Matthew J. McCloskey. "It's always a great thing to meet folks and be a part of a mission like this. It's always great to meet new people and get fresh perspectives from different cultures."

Embarked Fleet Surgical Team 5 will team up with Guatemalan health care providers to offer vaccinations, treatment and training to local citizens across five locations in ten days.

Navy Seabee Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 303 will join local civil engineers for structure renovations to schools and churches across four locations, along with road and drainage repair.

"Only by working and communicating with our partner nations can we have the relationships we need in the event of a crisis requiring a multinational effort," said Amphibious Squadron 5 Commander, Capt. Peter K. Dallman, the mission commander for CP 2008. "We look forward to working alongside our neighbors in Guatemala to build on and enhance our friendship."

The Humanitarian Civic Assistance (HCA) mission directly supports the U.S. maritime strategy by strengthening maritime partnerships, which contribute to the stability and security of the world's oceans for all.

The Pacific Phase of CP is one of two HCA deployments planned for Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The second CP deployment will be conducted by USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) in the Caribbean.

For more news from USS Boxer, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd4/.