USS Doyle Maked Difference In Peruvian Community

090617-N-8607B-006 EASTERN PACIFIC (June 17, 2009) -- The Peruvian Submarines BAP PISAGUA (SS-33), BAP CHIPANA (SS-34), and BAP ISLAY (SS-35) ride on the surface in a column during the photo exercise portion of this year's Peruvian PASSEX. THe excercise also included the BAP CARVAJAL (FM 51), BAP MONTERO (FM 53), BAP PAITA (DT-141), USS DOYLE (FFG 39), USS FORD (FFG 54), USS KAUFFMAN (FFG 59) and HSL-43 Detachment 4. For several days the units conducted Integrated Anit-Submarine Warare excercises off the coast of Lima, Peru. The US ships, under the direction of Commander Destroyer Squadron Four Zero acting as CTG 40.0, are deplyment as part of SOUTHERN SEAS 09, which is part of United States Southern Commands Partnership of the Americas stragegy for the Fourth Fleet Area of Focus. The goal of the deployment is to increase interoperability and foster partnerships among nations to combat common threats and protect common interests. (United States Navy Photo by LT Chris Brown, USN) LT Christopher R. Brown

The happy faces of school children surrounded the Sailors as they unloaded tools andcans of paint in preparation for the project. A newly painted soccer post, volleyball net and the freshly painted building were only a few of the projects that marked Task Group 40.0's work in Peru, during the Southern Seas 2009 deployment. Task Group 40.0 is comprised of the guided-missile frigate USS Doyle (FFG 39) with embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 staff, USS Ford (FFG 54) with embarked Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 43 Detachment 3, and USS Kauffman (FFG 59).

"Each COMREL project is a new experience for the host country as well as for the crew," said Ensign Jeremy Linton, of DESRON 40. "Just being able to spend time with kids and see their faces after we repainted their soccer goals and built them a volley ball net; it really makes for a positive perspective on both our Peruvian hosts and for the Sailors. This is what our mission here is really about."

090615-N-4879G-134 USS Doyle, Pacific Ocean-(June 15, 2009) A Peruvian maritime interdiction operation group sailor fast ropes down from a Peruvian AB-212 "Pantera" helicopter onto the flight deck of the guided missile frigate USS Doyle (FFG 39). The MIO group, assigned to the Peruvian frigate BAP Montero (FM-53), were on board as part of a multi-national visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) training exercise. Doyle is deployed as part Southern Seas 2009. Southern Seas is part of US Southern Command's Partnership of the Americas strategy, and focuses on strengthening relationship in the SOUTHCOM Area of Focus. This years deployment includes Doyle, guided missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59), and guided missile frigate USS Ford (FFG 54), with Destroyer Squadron Four-Zero as the Command Element. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Grieco/RELEASED) MC3 Patrick Grieco

Located between Callao and Lima, the COMREL project took place in two schools, the Frenando Belaunde Terry School and Santa Rosa 2093 School. With a box of tools and painting supplies, Sailors immediately went to work building a large volleyball net and new soccer post for the children.

The Peruvian Navy also provided support during the day. They worked alongside Task Group 40.0 sailors, providing doctors and barbers to assist. The students received on the spot medical treatment such as minor dental work and fresh haircuts.

"This experience is amazing; you see a different side of the culture and with this particular COMREL, you could see how much a school really means to the community," said Navy Counselor 1st Class (SW) Paul Soto, of USS Doyle. "Working with the Peruvians enabled us to strengthen our ties and you realize the impact you are making to a country. It makes for a positive perspective on both sides." COMREL projects enable U.S. Sailors to be involved with the local community that they are visiting through humanitarian efforts, and many projects involve conducting minor repairs to facilities. In the case of this COMREL project it was coordinated to coincide with a delivery of Project Handclasp supplies. Project Handclasp is a collection of donated items, such as medical goods, hygiene products, school supplies and toys, delivered around the world by the U.S. military and given to people in need. Project Handclasp deliveries for this project included a pallet of medical supplies and hygiene material.

090615-N-4879G-191 USS Doyle, Pacific Ocean-(June 15, 2009) Gunner's Mate 1st Class Kenny Bolieiro and Fire Controlman 1st Class John Ashley demonstrate how to use a clearing barrel to members of the Peruvian Maritime Interdiction Operation group in the hangar bay of the guided missile frigate USS Doyle (FFG 39). Doyle is deployed as part Southern Seas 2009. Southern Seas is part of US Southern Command's Partnership of the Americas strategy, and focuses on strengthening relationship in the SOUTHCOM Area of Focus. This years deployment includes Doyle, guided missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59), and guided missile frigate USS Ford (FFG 54), with Destroyer Squadron Four-Zero as the Command Element. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Patrick Grieco/RELEASED) MC3 Patrick Grieco

Task Group 40.0 is executing Southern Seas 2009, a six-month deployment to the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) area of focus, which encompasses the Caribbean, Central and South America, and surrounding waters. The annual Southern Seas deployment supports SOUTHCOM's Partnership of the Americas strategy, focusing on conducting exercises, military-to-military engagements, and theater security cooperation engagements that enhance relationships with partner nations throughout Latin America.