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Underwood Sailors Enjoy Liberty in Cartagena

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090403-10
Release Date: 4/3/2009 2:59:00 PM

From USS Underwood Public Affairs

CARTAGENA, Colombia (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Underwood (FFG 36) enjoyed a three-day port visit to Cartagena, Colombia March 26-29 prior to completing a highly successful counter-illicit trafficking (CIT) deployment in the Latin America.

Cartagena, the largest and most secure harbor on the north coast of Colombia, is located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia and is the country's main gateway for sea trade. While in port, Sailors participated in a community relations project, Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) tours, and some well-deserved liberty.

Supporting the local community, Sailors volunteered at a low-income school, Colegio Nuestra Senora de Fatima donating much needed sports equipment and supplies. The Colombian Navy, the wardroom and crew of A.R.C. Antioquia (FM-53) extended their hospitality to Underwood's wardroom by allowing an officer function to be held in their officer's club.

"The gracious hospitality of A.R.C. Antioquia's crew indicated the strong relationship we share with Colombia's navy," said Lt. Cmdr. Cory Applebee, Underwood's executive officer.

A city rich with history, Cartagena offered Sailors numerous opportunities for sightseeing and souvenir shopping. There was no shortage of top-dining establishments to choose from, many of which were located in the historical Old City. In the evening, street vendors, musicians, and performers sold souvenirs or danced to traditional Colombian music.

Underwood Sailors had the option of spending a day at the beach, enjoying volleyball, music, and snorkeling thanks to the MWR team's dedicated service.

"It was great having time to relax and enjoy the beach," said Boatswain's Mate Seaman Juan Cano.

An overall outstanding port visit for Underwood, Cartagena offered the crew a chance to relax and enjoy South American culture one last time prior to making her journey home.

Underwood, homeported in Mayport, Fla., is currently deployed in Latin America 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.

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