The Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) arrived in Callao, Peru, in preparation for UNITAS Pacific 53-12, May 12.
Sailors lined the rails in their dress whites while Underwood announced her arrival with a 40mm saluting battery as it entered the channel to the port city.
While in port, Underwood Sailors will engage in an opening and closing ceremony, a wreath-laying ceremony and a community relations event.
“ We’re setting up for a few receptions and pre-event exercises to get us prepped for the big muscle movements that are going to be happening out to sea here in a couple of days,” said Lt. Dustin Schultz , Underwood’s navigation officer.
A wreath-laying ceremony will be held in honor of Peruvian national hero, Adm. Miguel Grau at the Peruvian Naval Academy. Underwood Sailors will also participate in a friendly sports competition with Peruvian, Chilean, Ecuadorian and Mexican sailors.
“It’s always nice to get off the boat and play against these other countries,” said Electrician’s Mate 3rd Class (SW) Stephen McGiverin , who has had the opportunity to play against South American navies in the past. “Afterwards we normally have some time to talk to them. I like being able to do things with other navies.”
Underwood will remain in port several days before sailing with partner nation navies to participate in joint-naval exercises at sea.
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (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.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff , May 15, 2012; Image: navy