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USSOUTHCOM Commander visits Killick, Proud of Accomplishments

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100205-01
Release Date: 2/5/2010 5:59:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) John Stratton, USS Gunston Hall Public Affairs

KILLICK, HAITI (NNS) -- The commander of U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) visited the medical triage and treatment center in Killick, Haiti, Feb. 3 where to observe firsthand the work of U.S. service members and Haitian volunteers providing medical care to earthquake victims.

Air Force Gen. Douglas Fraser toured facilities at the Killick Haitian Coast Guard Base and said he was impressed with how well U.S. service members were working together with the Haitian people to accomplish the mission.

"This is a very important partnership," said Fraser. "Our government is pleased with what it continues to see."

The base has been used as a makeshift medical treatment facility since shortly after the devastating earthquake that rocked the Caribbean island Jan. 12.

Fraser, along with the Honorable Kenneth Merten, U.S. ambassador to Haiti, Air Force Gen. Duncan McNabb, commander, U.S. Transportation Command, Army Lt. Gen. Ken Keen, commander, Joint Task Force (JTF) Haiti and Lewis Lucke, coordinator for relief efforts in Haiti for United States Agency for International Development (USAID) toured the base, guided by USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44) Commanding Officer Cmdr. Fred Wilhelm, Joint Task Force (JTF) Bravo Commander, Army Col. Marie Dominguez, and Africa Partnership Station West Commander, Capt. Cindy Thebaud. As they discussed the impact of providing treatment to survivors, they walked together through each step in the process of assessing, treating and helping the wounded.

Wilhelm was pleased to have the opportunity to show Fraser the facility and explain the combined effort of his Sailors with the Haitian people.

"It was a privilege to have Gen. Fraser and distinguished guests here," said Wilhelm. "The Airmen, Sailors, and Soldiers working here today really enjoyed the visit. To have them take the time to come and see firsthand the combined joint and host nation facility that Killick has turned into really means a lot."

Gunston Hall is conducting humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations for Operation Unified Response under control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. Fourth Fleet (NAVSO/C4F). NAVSO/C4F is directing all Naval assets and personnel in support of Joint Task Force Haiti, the joint command element directing U.S. military capabilities support to USAID and the U.N. Stabilization Mission in Haiti.