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Kauffman Conducts Subject Matter Expert Exchange with Colombia

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090726-01
Release Date: 7/26/2009 8:43:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brandon Shelander, Southern Seas Public Affairs

BAHIA MALAGA, Colombia (NNS) -- Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 and guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59) hosted a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) with the Colombian Navy, July 20.

The SMEE took place aboard Kauffman while the ship was in port at Bahia Malaga, allowing Kauffman Sailors and Colombian Sailors a chance to share ideas, practices and techniques of maritime interdiction operations (MIO) to further strengthen the bonds between both navies.

"Our main purpose is to give the Colombians an overview of U.S. boarding procedures and to understand the Colombian Navy procedures," said Chief Gunner's Mate (SW) Joshua Tolleson, Kauffman's MIO SMEE.

"This is my second SMEE with the Colombians and my 15th SMEE for MIO in the last year that I've coordinated. It is interesting to see the different approaches that each country takes for boarding other vessels," said Tolleson. "Many of the countries in South America and Central America conduct boardings on a daily basis, so they have a lot of experience."

Though the actual boarding exercises were cancelled due to rain, participants still had a chance to discuss MIO operations inside Kauffman's classroom, where Tolleson discussed procedures and practices to the gathered sailors.

"What I've found to be effective is to have a round table on their procedures and discuss how they would approach different situations and see how their response compares to ours," said Tolleson. "Most of the training these personnel receive is from the U.S. so their procedures are very similar to ours. If there is time, then we will usually do some kind of demonstration to share our differences and hopefully give each other ideas on how to improve our techniques."

MIO SMEE is just a small part of Kauffman's overall mission in the region, but the professional bonds formed during such events are vital.

"I really enjoy training with other countries," added Tolleson. "It can be challenging at times but in the end it's a good feeling to know that you're a part of something bigger than yourself. One of the best parts is meeting new people and sharing experiences firsthand."

Kauffman is on a four-month deployment to Central and South America as part of Southern Seas 2009 in support of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)'s Partnership of the Americas strategy. Southern Seas is an annual deployment that focuses on conducting exercises, military to military engagements, and theater security cooperation engagements enhance relationships with partner nations in the region. This year's deployment includes Kauffman, USS Doyle (FFG 39), USS Ford (FFG 54), and is executed by DESRON 40 as Commander, Task Group 40.0.

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