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Chilean Navy Commander in Chief visits Mayport, Independence

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110503-16
5/3/2011

From U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet Public Affairs

MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- The Commander in Chief (CINC) of the Chilean navy visited Naval Station (NS) Mayport and USS Independence (LCS 2) April 29.

Adm. Edmundo Gonzalez and his delegation were welcomed by Rear Adm. Vic. Guillory, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F).

Guillory and Gonzalez spoke briefly before going to the maritime operations center for a command brief and to meet with other headquarters staff, foreign liaison officers and Inter-American Naval Telecommunications Network staff.

"We're very proud to have Adm. Gonzalez visit us today," said Guillory. "This visit is an opportunity to share thoughts on how our navies can work together on challenges impairing our region and our nations maritime priorities."

While aboard NS Mayport, the group also received a tour and first-hand look at one of the Navy's newest littoral combat ships, USS Independence. The Independence is one of two littoral combat ships currently in service, and was commissioned Jan. 16, 2010.

"When I attended the U.S. Naval War College in 1996, we were discussing littoral combat ships," said Gonzalez. "Now, after so many years, I see it has come to fruition, and I am very impressed.

Before departing Independence, Gonzalez expressed his thanks to both Guillory and the crew of Independence for his full day of activities.

"I want to thank you for the opportunity to tour this fine ship," said Gonzalez. "It was an incredible idea when I first heard about it, and to see it in person is even more incredible. I also want to thank you, Adm. Guillory, very much for hosting me and my delegation while we visited Naval Station Mayport."

COMUSNAVSO/C4F supports U.S. Southern Command joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.