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Kearsarge Hosts Reception for Continuing Promise
Story Number: NNS080809-07
Release Date: 8/9/2008 6:36:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class William S. Parker, USS Kearsarge Public Affairs
USS KEARSARGE, At sea (NNS) -- The amphibious assault ship USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) hosted distinguished visitors and media for a reception and tour Aug. 8.
The reception was the official start of the Caribbean Phase of Continuing Promise (CP) 2008, a joint effort among the United States, partner nations and non-government organizations to provide humanitarian assistance.
"Our multinational team is dedicated to recommit, and fortify our relationships in South America now, and for generations to come," said Capt. Fernandez "Frank" Ponds, CP mission commander.
CP will provide support by conducting medical, dental and engineering assistance programs ashore in response to host nation requests and requirements. The deployment's goal is to improve health, prolong life, promote training, and enhance prosperity in the region.
"I am honored to be a part of this mission where we will work side-by-side with host nations to take care of our neighbors," said U.S. Coast Guard Rear Adm. Robert Parker, director, Security and Intelligence, U.S. Southern Command. "The Americas are important. They are in our history, our past, and it's our home."
After the reception and a brief press conference, visitors and media toured the ship's major spaces.
"The visit was an overall success," said Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz of Miami-Dade County's 12th District. "I am proud to be on the Kearsarge to see where the great mission at hand is going to take place and to witness the hard work of the fine crew that is manning it. I personally thank the men and women serving on this fine ship for their dedication."
Kearsarge is currently under the operational control of U.S. 4th Fleet.
U.S. 4th Fleet's mission is to direct United States naval forces operating in the Caribbean, and Central and South American region and interact with partner nation navies to shape maritime environment.
Kearsarge's mission exemplifies the United States maritime strategy which emphasizes deploying forces to build confidence and trust among nations through collective maritime security efforts that focus on common threats and mutual interests.
The CP Caribbean Phase is the second of two HCA deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first CP deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.
For more news from USS Kearsarge, visit www.navy.mil/local/lhd3.
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