The future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) hosted five meteorology and oceanography (METOC) officers while in port Valparaiso, Chile, Aug. 26.
The five METOC officers, all from various navies across the globe, are currently attending the Category A Hydrography program at the Servicio Hidrografico Oceanografico de la Armada de Chile.
The navies represented during the visit included Mexico, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile and the United States.
America’s METOC officer, Lt. Kyle Franklin, gave the students a tour of the ship and explained the ship’s METOC equipment and capabilities.
According to Franklin, hydrographers contribute to anti-submarine warfare, mine warfare, Naval special warfare, safe navigation and fleet operations. For the amphibious fleet, the support provided by hydrographers is essential.
America completed her maiden transit “America Visits the Americas” through the U.S. Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility on Sep. 15. America is the first ship of its class, replacing the Tarawa-class of amphibious assault ships.
[mappress] Press Release, October 08, 2014; Image: US Navy