Klakring, Brazilian Sailors Come Together For Soccer, Cookout

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Michael J. Scott, CTG 40.0 Public Affairs

April 30, 2010 - FORTALEZA, Brazil (NNS) -- Sailors from the guided missile frigate USS Klakring (FFG 42) and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 42 Det. 10 joined Brazilian sailors in Fortaleza April 22, for a friendly game of soccer and post-game barbeque.

The visit in Fortaleza was the second visit for Klakring during her Southern Seas 2010 deployment.

Once the game began, the language barrier was quickly overcome as everyone understood the rules of soccer.

Yeoman 1st Class Jorge Ulloa served as an interpreter for both sides. He and Brazilian Navy Corporal Cabo Borges shared stories of their careers and the similarities of both navies. He said Klakring Sailors definitely got something from the experience.

"We have a bond now, a friendship with our Brazilian counterparts," Ulloa said. "Friendly competition brings out the best in everyone, and what better time to be in each other's company than when we're at our best."

Brazil won the game, 10-1.

After the game, the two teams enjoyed an old-fashioned American barbeque complete with hamburgers, hot dogs and all the fixings. Klakring's Executive Officer Cmdr. Robin Smith and Culinary Specialist 1st Class James Lawton fired up the grill and did the cooking.

"I enjoy cooking," Smith said. Whenever we light the grill on Klakring, I like to be there. I came here today to help CS1 and enjoy the game."

Sailors from both teams posed with each other for pictures, and some exchanged shirts and more smiles.

"I'm very proud to have been part of this exchange," Ulloa said.

For Klakring and Task Group 40.0, this event was one of many that will take place in the months to come.

Task Group 40.0 is on a six-month deployment to South America and the Caribbean as part of Southern Seas 2010 (SS10). Southern Seas is an annual U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)-directed operation implemented by U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO) and executed by Commander, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40 as Commander, Task Group 40.0. Southern Seas focuses on conducting a variety of exercises and multinational exchanges to enhance interoperability, increase regional stability, and build and maintain regional relationships with our partner nations. SS10 includes Klakring, HSL-42 Det. 10, and DESRON 40 serving as the command element.

NAVSO is the naval component command for SOUTHCOM and is responsible for all naval personnel and assets in the area of responsibility. NAVSO conducts a variety of missions in support of the maritime strategy, including theater security cooperation, relationship building, humanitarian assistance and disaster response, community relations, and counter-illicit trafficking operations.