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USNS Pathfinder Visits Mexican Port

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS111128-08
11/28/2011

From Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command

STENNIS SPACE CENTER, Miss. (NNS) -- Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command (NMOC) hosted a reception on board USNS Pathfinder (T-AGS 60) in Veracruz, Mexico, Nov. 8 for the Mexican navy's oceanography organization to emphasize NMOC's relationship with the Mexican command.

Pathfinder, a Navy oceanographic survey ship, hosted the reception during a three-day port visit to Veracruz.

"This visit highlights our long-standing partnership with the Mexican navy in oceanography and hydrography operations as they pertain to theater security, navigation, safety at sea and training," said Rear Adm. Jonathan White, NMOC commander.

These activities significantly improve interoperability between the Mexican navy's Direccion General Adjunta de Oceanografia, Hidrografia y Meteorologia and the U.S. Navy. They provide a framework in which to demonstrate military oceanographic and hydrographic survey techniques, share expertise and information and gain a better understanding of each other's military and cultural identities.

The port visit also emphasizes respect for the Inter-American Democratic Charter, recognizes that 21st century challenges require multinational interagency cooperation, understands that effective security incorporates respect for human rights and the rule of law and supports the belief that regional information sharing is essential for mutual security.

USNS Pathfinder, operated by the U.S. Navy Military Sealift Command, conducts a wide-range of survey operations covering the disciplines of physical oceanography, hydrography and bathymetry, acoustics and geophysics.

Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command directs the Navy's meteorology and oceanography programs, operates the Navy's atomic clock for precise time and tracks the positions of the stars for navigation. The command is comprised of approximately 2,500 officer, enlisted and civilian personnel stationed around the world. Naval Oceanography enables the safety, speed and operational effectiveness of the fleet by identifying the risks and opportunities for naval and joint forces posed by the present and future natural environment.