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USS Samuel B. Roberts Strengthen Personal, Professional Partnerships in Honduras

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090324-11
Release Date: 3/24/2009 4:44:00 PM

From USS Samuel B. Roberts Public Affairs

ROATAN, Honduras (NNS) -- During a port visit in Honduras, Sailors deployed with USS Samuel B. Roberts (FFG 58) conducted several community relations (COMREL) projects March 10-12.

Samuel B. Roberts and embarked helicopter detachment, Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 60, Detachment 2, lent their services to a local elementary school in Coxen Hola, a small island off the coast of Roatan. The volunteers painted four classrooms, installed multiple ceiling fans and assisted with general cleaning and repairs in the elementary school during the two-day project.

One of the participants, Ensign Nicholas Kutchak, Samuel B. Roberts' combat information center officer, felt the community relations project was very successful.

"We are out here on deployment helping to protect America's interest abroad; however, this project allowed us to expand our boundaries and give the children of Honduras a better environment in which to learn and grow," said Kutchak.

The school, Elfreda Brooks Primary School in Coxen Hole, is a community-based public bilingual school with 278 children in grades 1 to 6. The school has expanded in recent years from two to four classrooms thanks to the contributions from local and international groups, including other U.S. Navy ships deployed in the area who have conducted similar projects.

Additionally, Samuel B. Roberts' crew donated to the community Project Handclasp medical items and toys for the children. Medical and first aid supplies were delivered to Clinica Esperanze and Little Friends Foundation. Children's toys, including bikes, rollerblades and yard games were donated to the Honduran Department of Education for use in local schools such as Elfreda Brooks Primary School.

Samuel B. Roberts also participated in several other events to improve community relations with the people of Honduras. On March 10, a group of 11 Honduran Sailors came aboard the ship to compare and discuss each country's shipboard lifestyle. Members of Samuel B. Roberts' visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) teams gave demonstrations of their boarding techniques while the repair division had an open house of damage control gear and fire fighting evolutions. The Honduran Sailors even stayed overnight to experience more of the Samuel B. Roberts way of life.

On March 12, the ship opened its brow to many officials of Honduras for a tour of the ship. The U.S. Ambassador to Honduras, Hugo Llorens; the Deputy of the Honduran Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Estado Cuellar; the Deputy Chief of the Honduran Navy, Capt. Ivis Moreno; Roatan Mayor Dale Jackson and many staff members from the U.S. military group were all guests on board Samuel B. Roberts. While on board, the guests were taught about the ship's history to learn a bit more about the guided-missile frigate.

"It was a pleasure to have these distinguished guests on board to see our fine ship and meet some of her crew," said Cmdr. Chuck L. Sellers, Samuel B. Roberts' commanding officer. "I am very proud of our Sailors and glad that Samuel B. Roberts was able to play a role in building closer relations between the United States and Honduras."

Also while in port, Samuel B. Roberts Sailors took on a team of Honduran Navy sailors in a soccer match. Despite the 6-0 loss, it was a partnership-building event for everyone involved.

In addition to the many projects undertaken by Samuel B. Roberts while anchored off of Roatan, Sailors were still able to get out and enjoy the island. From serving the community, to being able to take in the breathtaking beaches and sunsets, Roatan was a port visit that Samuel B. Roberts Sailors say they will not soon forget.

Samuel B. Roberts, homeported in Mayport, Fla., is currently deployed under the operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO) and U.S. 4th Fleet, conducting counter-illicit trafficking operations in support of Joint Interagency Task Force South (JIATF-S), U.S. Law Enforcement and U.S. and participating nations drug control policy.

Samuel B. Roberts is also supporting the U.S. maritime strategy by conducting theater security cooperation (TSC) events such as community relations projects throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.