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USS Doyle Visits Colombia During Southern Seas Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090522-33
Release Date: 5/22/2009 10:50:00 PM

From USS Doyle Public Affairs

CARTAGENA, Colombia (NNS) -- The guided-missile frigate USS Doyle (FFG 39) visited Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, May 13-17 during the Southern Seas 2009 deployment.

Doyle arrived in Cartagena at the conclusion of Operation Multinational Alliance, a multinational naval exercise hosted by Colombia to enhance partner nation maritime capabilities. The exercise took place while Doyle was in transit to Cartagena from Mayport, Fla.

Doyle and six other ships, hailing from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and the United States were coming from Mayport after participating in UNITAS Gold, the 50th iteration of the annual multinational maritime exercise.

During the visit to Cartagena, the Doyle crew enjoyed tours to the Old City, a fortified city built in the Spanish colonial style that was at its peak during the 16th to 18th centuries.

"The tours were amazing and allowed us to see much of what the city had to offer with a local Colombian tour guide," said Electrician's Mate 1st Class Marvin Holt. "Colombia is often known for its gold and its emeralds, and part of the tour included a visit to the Gold and Emerald museum along with a tour of the old fort."

In addition to tours, Doyle's crew participated in a community relations project along with other countries' sailors at two elementary schools which allowed Sailors to interact with the local community. Sailors did repair work and repainted the exterior of the schools and provided donated Project Handclasp materials to people in need.

"This was a wonderful opportunity for Doyle to experience working with the community and helping them in any way we could," said Chief Operations Specialist Robert Harvey. "We didn't even have to speak the same language to succeed at our common goals. Everyone knew what we were there for."

In addition to the many social events, Doyle's visit, board, search and seizure team participated in a training exercise conducted aboard the guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59) to practice various boarding techniques with other countries.

"This was excellent training for the team and allowed us to practice different techniques," said Ensign Joshua Oates, Doyle's ordnance officer.

While heading south, ships participating in Operation Multinational Alliance conducted a variety of exercises, including: communications, live-fire exercises, shipboard operations, electronic warfare and other mission areas. The operation was conducted and led by the Colombian staff, and increased interoperability among the participating countries.

"We share common goals and ideals," said Colombian Navy Rear Adm. Roberto Garcia Marquez, Colombia's Caribbean Forces Commander. "We were able to establish and conduct our mission in the same way we have done for years. I'm very proud of all the Commanding Officers and the crew members."

The final event of the visit was a reception hosted by the Colombian Navy at the officer's club, Castillo Grande. The reception included traditional Colombian hors d'ouvres and a dance by traditional Colombian dancers. A speech was conducted by Garcia and plaques were exchanged by the Commanding Officers.

"All in all, this visit was quite a success and allowed the crew to enjoy the true taste of Colombia," said Ensign Joshua Kristoff, Doyle's communications officer. "I hope to visit this amazing city again as it created an unforgettable memory that I will carry with me always."

Doyle, homeported in Mayport, Fla., has been deployed since April 19 along with Kauffman, which is homeported in Norfolk, Va.

Both ships are deployed as Task Group 40.0, commanded by Destroyer Squadron 40. The deployment is executing U.S. Southern Command's (SOUTHCOM) Southern Seas 2009, which is being held from April to October throughout South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Southern Seas 2009 is part of SOUTHCOM's Partnership of the Americas Strategy, and emphasizes interoperability and cooperation between U.S. and partner nation maritime forces through a variety of exercises and events.

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