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GW Carrier Strike Group Sailors Arrive in Chilean Port City

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080514-22
Release Date: 5/14/2008 5:04:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Riza Caparros, USS George Washington Public Affairs

VALPARAISO, Chile (NNS) -- Sailors from the George Washington Carrier Strike Group (GW CSG) anchored off the coast of Valparaiso on May 14 to begin a scheduled four-day port visit.

The GW CSG is composed of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), embarked Carrier Air Wing 17 and Destroyer Squadron 40.

The strike group is in the U.S. Southern Command area of focus to participate in Partnership of the Americas 2008, an annual operation designed to further strengthen relationships between the U.S. Navy and partner navies from Central and South America.

During their visit, George Washington Sailors will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of events including a wreath-laying ceremonies honoring Chilean military personnel at the Heroes of Iquique Museum, as well as at Cementerio de Disidentes, a cemetery for U.S. Sailors who have died in Chile.

Also during the port visit, more than 500 Sailors will assist in community relations projects throughout the city, helping to paint and clean homeless shelters, as well as donate supplies and toys to local schools.

Sailors also have a chance to see some of Chile's most famous tourist attractions through Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR)-sponsored tours, including trips through Valparaiso and Santiago, the Chilean capital city. Other MWR events include horseback riding, hiking and two different wine-tasting tours at local vineyards.

The GW CSG's Partnership of the Americas deployment operationalizes the U.S. Maritime Strategy by its efforts to work cooperatively with South American maritime partners to promote interoperability and trust that will ultimately lead to greater hemispheric security.

For more news from USS George Washington, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/.