• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Thach Departs Uruguay to Continue Partnership Mission

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110517-02
5/17/2011

By Ens. Joshua McCauley, USS Thach Public Affairs

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (NNS) -- USS Thach (FFG 43) departed Montevideo, Uruguay, May 16 after a completing its partnership and humanitarian mission there in support of Southern Seas Deployment 2011.

While in Montevideo, Thach Sailors, along with Sailors from USS Boone (FFG 28) and Coast Guardsmen from USCGC Escanaba (WMEC 907, participated in community relations projects.

Thach Sailors also delivered humanitarian supplies as part of Project Hand Clasp, May 14, and delivered a pallet of medical supplies for the CEPRODIH Battered Women's Center, to representatives from the U.S. Embassy who will deliver the supplies later this week. The pallet contained medical, dental and hygienic supplies including band aids, sterile dressings, tooth paste and dental floss.

Thach Sailors also volunteered at Hogar Maruja Stirling Boy's Orphanage, painting the living areas, kitchen and hallways. Escanaba hosted the children to lunch aboard their boat while the work was completed.

"Giving to others in need is always important, especially on an international level," said Culinary Specialist First Class (SW) Lucio Diaz, Thach's community relations coordinator. "It gives U.S. Sailors a chance to see first-hand just how big the need abroad is and helps them to appreciate all they have. It gives us a chance to not only help out, but also show other countries that the U.S. is really and truly here to help out in every way we can."

After finishing the improvements, the Sailors spent time getting to know the children. During their time together, the volunteers presented the children with teddy bears, soccer balls and candy.

"Everybody, especially these kids, needs somebody to look up to," said Ships Serviceman Seaman Keenon Workman.

Though Thach's visit to Uruguay was short, the crew agreed that it was time well spent. Thach will continue her deployment as she circumnavigates the South American continent as part of Southern Seas 2011.