Southern Partnership Station 2014 Commences, USNS Spearhead Departs Mayport

By Mass Communication Specialist First Class Rafael Martie, SPS-JHSV 14 Public Affairs

NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (NNS) -- Military Sealift Command joint high-speed vessel USNS Spearhead (JHSV 1) departed Mayport to begin Southern Partnership Station 2014 (SPS-JHSV 14) May 29 in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations to conduct subject matter expert exchanges and partner building relationships from May 29 - Oct 9.

Supporting the U.S. Maritime Strategy, SPS-JHSV 14 will focus on enhancing cooperative partnerships with regional maritime services and improving operational readiness for all participating services.

Prior to departing Mayport, Rear Adm. George Ballance, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, spoke to the SPS-JHSV 14 team about the upcoming mission, his expectations, and developing relationships with partner nations.

"Your missions ashore, in theater, and at sea on Spearhead support all of our lines of operation: maritime security operations, security cooperation, and contingency operations," said Ballance.

"Every Sailor, Marine, Soldier, Airman, mariner, and civilian is an ambassador," said Ballance. "Your actions and appearance represent the United States, the U.S. Navy, U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Fourth Fleet."

While Spearhead was pierside at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek, Va. prior to departing to Mayport, U.S. Marine Corps Brig. Gen. David Coffman, commanding general of U.S. Marine Corps Forces South came aboard to talk to U.S. Marines coming from detachments across the U.S. attached to the SPS-JHSV 14 mission.

"There are two groups of people in this world, good guys and bad guys, and we continue to work with the good guys to make them better because they want the same things you want," said Coffman.

SPS-JHSV 14 will also provide the opportunity for the U.S. and its allies across Central and South America to operate in the multinational environment, refine coordination and improve interoperability, and demonstrates flexibility.

The focal point for assigned units will be to locally identify needs such as medical readiness, operational risk management, port security, non-commissioned officer professional development, motor maintenance, and patrol craft operations.

For U.S. Marines Lance Cpl. Michael Bostic from Dublin, Ga., currently stationed at Head Quarters Battalion, Second Marine Division out of Camp Lejeune, N.C., is leaving on his first deployment.

"I am excited to work alongside our allies, see new places and experience their culture," said Bostic.

Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class (SW) Bryan Bowser, a native from Friendsville, Md., already completed a prior deployment on the Spearhead, and volunteered to go again.

"This is a unique environment to work in. I like the diverse group of people that come from all services and the mission this ship does," said Bowser.

The ship is scheduled to return to Mayport at the completion of the scheduled mission Oct.9.

SPS-JHSV 14 is a U.S. Navy deployment focused on subject matter expert exchanges with partner nation militaries and security forces.