Sailors and cadets from the Colombian navy toured San Diego during a routine port visit by the Armada de la Republica de Colombia (ARC) Gloria Nov. 1-5.
Crew members and cadets of ARC Gloria had the opportunity to visit various military units in San Diego. Thirty cadets visited the Marine Corps Recruit Depot and the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Nov. 2.
“I am very happy to be here; San Diego has a great naval tradition,” said Capt. Miguel Angel Cifuentes, commanding officer of ARC Gloria. “This is a great experience for me and my crew as I hope that everybody who visits the ship learns something about Colombia and our proud naval tradition.”
While in port, Gloria hosted Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet and other senior Navy leadership to tour the ship and discuss future training opportunities.
“The Colombian navy is one of our key partners in Latin America, so the opportunity to welcome them here in San Diego is absolutely fantastic,” said Lt. Cmdr. Paolo Carcavallo, 3rd Fleet Theater Security Cooperation officer.
Gloria set sail May 2013 and has stopped in 12 foreign ports, including Honolulu, San Francisco and San Diego. The ship is scheduled to return to its homeport next month.
“I hope, as an ambassador of Colombia, to build and strengthen our relationship with the United States,” said Cifuentes. “Colombia takes great strides in working with the U.S. Navy and I am proud to call the United States our partner nation.”
Joint interagency and international relationships strengthen U.S. 3rd Fleet’s ability to respond to crises and protect the collective maritime interests of the U.S. and its allies and partners.
[mappress] Press Release, November 06, 2013; Image: US Navy