USS OAK HILL, At Sea -- Panamanians members from the National Air-Naval Service (SENAN) concluded two weeks of subject matter expert exchanges (SMEE) during their stay aboard the Amphibious Dock Landing Ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) Nov. 3.
Leadership discussions, injury treatment, basic tactics, weapon firing practices, uses of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and Marine Corps martial arts training were some of the topics conducted between the U.S. and Panamanian forces.
“These guys are great,” said Cpl. Michel Garcia, a brown belt Martial Arts instructor with the U.S. Marine Corps Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force (SPMAGTF). “They’ve got this saying, which in English translates to ‘it doesn’t work if it doesn’t hurt’. This isn’t much different from how we push ourselves past our limits. This entire experience with them has been really great.”
A daily Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) session was held by U.S. Marines from SPMAGTF AMPHIB-SPS 12 to demonstrate counter attacks, grappling and restraining techniques.
“I am glad we had this opportunity,” said Jose Cubilla, a bridge navigator with Company A, 402 Esteban Huertas (Landing Craft Unit). “Chances to interact and learn from one another don’t happen every day. This is a memorable experience for us.”
Another exchange of information came from the sailors of Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 3 Detachment 1 with their UAV demonstration. The demonstration shared detailed insight on launch procedures, flight controls and a successful water recovery of the Aqua Puma All Environment UAV.
“Having our Panamanian guests aboard was a key part of the Amphibious - Southern Partnership Station 2012 mission,” exclaimed Capt. Arturo Garcia, AMPHIB-SPS 12 mission commander. Working together with our partner nations will improve interoperability and continue to enhance regional maritime security.”
The Panamanian guests also took part in different social events with the crew by participating physical fitness events and other command activities.
Oak Hill is deployed in support of Amphibious - Southern Partnership Station 2012 (AMPHIB-SPS 12). SPS is an annual deployment of U.S. ships to the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility in the Caribbean, Central and South America. This mission involves sharing information between local host countries navies, coast guards and civilian services throughout the region.