PUERTO BELGRANO, Argentina -- USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) welcomed 130 distinguished visitors and guests aboard for a reception June 29 during the ship’s visit to Puerto Belgrano, Argentina, in support of the multinational amphibious exercise Southern Exchange 2009.
Capt. Brad Williamson, Commander, Destroyer Squadron TWO, USS Oak Hill, and the U.S. Embassy in Argentina hosted the event to honor the partnership between the U.S. and Argentina. Among the guests in attendance were U.S. Embassy Chargé D’ Affaires, Thomas Kelly, Vice Adm. Carlos Paz, Argentine Fleet Forces Command, and Argentine Navy Fleet Commanding Officer, Rear Adm. Edwardo Castro Rivas.
“During our visit to Argentina, we have had the opportunity to engage with our partners in the spirit of cooperation and exchanging ideas to help strengthen regional maritime security,” said Williamson. “I am thrilled to be able to host this event for this distinguished group to celebrate our friendships and our support for each other.”
Top officials were greeted with honors provided by Oak Hill sideboys. After a welcome from Williamson and Kelly, guests were treated to hors d’ oeuvres and cocktails provided by the Oak Hill supply department. The evening concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony with the top naval leaders from both countries.
Cmdr. Daniel Blackburn, Oak Hill Commanding Officer, commended the crew and embarked DESRON staff for their efforts successfully arranging such a high-profile event.
“It is an honor to be able to bring this warship to Argentina and to show our Navy partners what the Oak Hill crew is all about,” said Blackburn. “The Oak Hill, DESRON team greeted our friends with the utmost professionalism and really demonstrated what being an ambassador aboard is all about. I am proud of all of the Sailors involved."
Oak Hill will depart Argentina July 1. The ship is on a three-month deployment participating in Southern Exchange 2009. The ship is scheduled to return to its homeport in Little Creek, Va., in late August.