U.S. Embassy in Uruguay Hosts Reception Aboard USS Boone

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Steve Smith, Southern Seas 2011 Public Affairs

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (NNS) -- The U.S. Embassy in Uruguay hosted a reception aboard guided-missile frigate USS Boone (FFG 28) during the ship's port visit to Montevideo, Uruguay, as part of Southern Seas 2011, May 13.

The reception provided an opportunity for the U.S. and Uruguay to highlight the partnership between the two countries and was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Uruguay, David Nelson.

"Events like this put a human face on the relationships we are building," said Nelson. "There is a lot of mythology out there. These events show our cooperation in an extremely positive light in an area which most people don't expect."

More than 100 civilian officials and military guests from USS Thach (FFG 43), USCGC Escanaba (WMEC 907) and partner nations attended the reception and ship tours aboard Boone.

"Receptions and tours give us the opportunity to showcase the ship, and demonstrate our professionalism to our families, friends and partners," said Cmdr. Roy Love, Boone commanding officer. "It is an honor and a point of pride for the Sailors to show the ship to anyone who visits."

The reception gave guests an opportunity to interact in an international arena. The evening was the beginning of a weekend filled with events for the U.S. Sailors and Coast Guardsmen to build relationships with the Uruguayan navy and local communities.

"Uruguay provides the largest supplement of peacekeeping operators and that is of a large benefit to the U.S.," said Nelson. "Our interactions help build a dialog between our governments and it shows how far we have come as a nation."

The Sailors of Boone were responsible for setting up the reception area, preparing the food and staffing the serving tables.

"The Sailors of the Supply Department and Food Services typically work behind the scenes," said Lt. Jeff Carideo, Boone supply officer. "This reception showcased their professionalism. The night was a great success and that is a reflection of their hard work and talents."

"Boone is a great ship, with an exceptional crew, and it served as an exceptional venue for the honor of entertaining our distinguished guests and partners," said Love.

After Montevideo, Boone and Thach will continue with the Southern Seas 2011 deployment within the U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/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.