Volume 1 Issue 8
Serving the U.S. Southern Command military family in South Florida,
— NEWS —
From the Commander ... p2
Hoperider readies to roll
cross-country ................. p2
Seabee meets family for
the first time . ................. p3
Standing Joint Force
Headquarters deploys for
exercise . .......................... p5
USNS Comfort arrives in
Peru ................................. p7
UNITAS completes first
phase of mission ............. p7
SOUTHCOM Chaplain
packs treats bound for
wounded warriors . ........ p8
S E C T I O N S
Feedback INFO .................. p2
After Hours ........................ p4
Around the Americas ........ p6
Death of Bin Laden elicits thoughtful reactions
American Forces Press Service
and local reports
WASHINGTON, D.C. – An intelligence-
driven U.S. operation in Pakistan killed
al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden Sunday,
President Barack Obama announced in a
nationally televised address late Sunday.
“Today, at my direction, the United
States launched a targeted operation
against that compound in Abbottabad,
Pakistan,” Obama said. “A small team of
Americans carried out the operation with
extraordinary courage and capability.
“No Americans were harmed,” he con-
tinued. “They took care to avoid civilian
casualties. After a firefight, they killed
Osama bin Laden and took custody of his
body.”
the Caribbean, Central and South America and the surrounding seas
April 21 - May 5, 2011
Enlisted Persons of the Year
Photos by Tech. Sgt. Edwin Hernandez
MA1 John J. Lukosus, currently assigned to JTF-GTMO
is awarded the Senior Enlisted Person of the Year award
MA2 Dwain Pemberton, also assigned to JTF-GTMO is
awarded the Junior Enlisted Person of the Year award by
by SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Douglas Fraser SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Douglas Fraser.
Tech. Sgt. Shanda L. De Anda senior enlisted person of 2010, tained excellence in duty per-
U.S. Southern Command Public Affairs and Navy Petty Officer 2nd formance, military appearance
Class Dwain Pemberton, ju- and bearing,” said Sgt. Maj.
Southern Command staff and nior enlisted person of 2010, Louis Espinal, SOUTHCOM
families recognized its first En- represent the best of the best in senior enlisted advisor. “The
listed Persons of the Year dur- SOUTHCOM. program was nonexistent ‘till
ing a ceremony here April 28. “The intent of these presti- last year; we all feel extremely
The winners, Navy Petty Of- gious awards is to recognize
... see EPOY, page 5
ficer 1st Class John Lukosus, enlisted personnel for sus-
“The death of bin Laden marks the most surprising after all this time.
significant achievement to date in our na- I was expecting more proof
tion’s effort to defeat al-Qaida, yet his [of Bin Laden’s Death].”
death does not mark the end of our ef- n Lazaro Reyes - “I don’t
fort,” Obama said. “There is no doubt that ROSADO like to wish death on anyone,
al-Qaida will continue to pursue attacks but I feel that justice has been
against us. We must, and we will, remain served.”
vigilant at home and abroad.” n Hugh Collier - “Out-
Here at SOUTHCOM, reactions varied standing! This helps alleviate
from elation to relief. We asked a number REYES the problems overseas. They
of people how they felt about the news of did an exceptional job and
Bin Laden’s death. Here are a few of their maybe this will help bring clo-
responses: sure to the families of some of
n Dell Cooper - “I think COLLIER the 9/11 victims.”
this is going to be a great n Lt. Cmdr. Carlos Oveda
morale-booster to the soldiers - “We’re just getting started.
COOPER who are fighting. It took 10 Bin Laden was a figurehead.
years to reach this endgame.” Basically, he was already
n Francisco Rosado - “It was very OVEDA dead.”
2 Nosotros • We • Nou • NÓS • NOUS • Volume 1 Issue 7 • April 21, 2011 • U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Army Garrison - Miami

From the Commander

Congratulations to Hoperider rides again
To all USSOUTHCOM Warriors, SOUTHCOM Air Force
Element’s 1st Quarter
SOUTHCOM’s own Lacy Betton
continues his annual tradition of a
2011 award winners! cross-country motorcycle ride to

W
raise awareness of several charities.
ith the death of must remain vigilant to the in- n Senior non-
Usama Bin Laden, dications of potential terrorist commissioned This year he plans to have a part-
officer ner, retired Army Master Sgt. Jephte
our fellow warriors activity at our HQ, within our Master Sgt. Garcia, ride with him on this year’s
in U.S. Special Operations communities, and throughout Eduardo Marin round-trip motorcycle adventure
Command scored a significant the region. While we have no (SOCSOUTH) from Key West, Fla. to Deadhorse,
victory yesterday in the long specific information, I ask us Alaska.
n Non-
and continuing fight all to remain vigi- commissioned Their odyssey begins in Key West
against Al Qaeda and lant now and for officer June 11 and ends there July 4.
their supporting ter- some time in the Tech. Sgt.
Matthew O’Leary For more information visit their web
rorist organizations. future. Our job is site: www.hoperider.org
(SOCSOUTH)
Al Qaeda suffered a to remain vigilant
monumental loss that and deny any open-
only time will tell the ing for Al Qaeda to MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH
true impact. exploit -- all of us
While a great de- must remain aware MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH HOSTED BY
Gen. Douglas Fraser
feat, as we have seen Commander, and prepared. USAG-MIAMI FAMILY AND MWR
n Each Day in May, Family and MWR will conduct a prize
before, Al Qaeda is U.S. Southern Command On behalf of
hurt but they are not you, the great men drawing. Drawings are on Saturdays and Sundays too!
n Prize value: Each prize is valued at approximately $100.
yet vanquished. Like and women of US
a seriously wounded animal, Southern Command, I want to Final Grand Prize on May 31 will exceed $700 in value.
n Eligibility: All active duty servicemembers assigned,
we can expect Al Qaeda to lash extend our heartfelt thanks to
out at the United States, the the men and women of USSO- and reservists on orders to, U.S. Southern Command.
n How to enter: Register throughout May at the ITR Office
members of our armed forces, COM for their professionalism
and our citizens. While we and skill, along with that of the with each servicemember eligible to register one time. Once
celebrate a great success, we CIA and our diplomats. a member has been selected for a daily prize they will not be
eligible for another drawing.
n Grand Prize drawing: All winning names will be reen-

“While we celebrate a great success, tered for the Grand Prize drawing. Daily drawing will take
place at noon at the ITR Office, Installation Services Center,
we must remain vigilant ... ” 1st floor.
n For more information: Call ITR at 305-437-1595.

MAY IS MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH – Please read NOSOTROS and check the SOUTHCOM portal regularly for event announcements.

Like/Dislike NOSOTROS? Want to share Ideas? Feedback? Do your colleagues deserve notice? Let us know!
Contact Public Affairs at 305.437.1213, or visit us on: Facebook: southcomnosotros; Twitter: SCNosotros or E-mail: southcomnosotros@
gmail.com. Submissions to NOSOTROS should be received by the Friday preceeding the publication date.

“NOSOTROS” is an authorized internal bi-

weekly publication intended for: uniformed mem-
bers of the Department of Defense, US Government
civilians, contractors and liaisons working for U.S.
SOUTHCOM Commander NOSOTROS Office Address: Southern Command or in its Area of Responsibility
Gen. Douglas Fraser, USAF and their dependents.
Director, Public Affairs 9301 NW 33rd St. The contents of “NOSOTROS,” including listings
Room A1423 of public events or services, are not necessarily the
Col. Scott Malcom, USA official views of, or constitute an endorsement by
Doral, FL 33172 the U.S. Army Garrison-Miami, Installation Manage-
Chief, Internal Information ment Command, U.S. Southern Command, DoD or
Raymond Sarracino Phone: (305) 437-2685 the U.S. Government.
The content of this publication is solely the
Editor Web: http://www.southcom.mil responsibility of the SOUTHCOM and USAG-Miami
Arthur McQueen Public Affairs Offices.
Nosotros • We • Nou • NÓS • NOUS
Seabee meets extended family for first time
By Petty Officer 1st Class (SCW) Lori Roberts
NMCB 28 Public Affairs
QUEZALTEPEQUE, El Salvador – As
a member of Naval Mobile Construction
Battalion (NMCB) 28, based in Shreve-
port, La., Steelworker Third Class (SW3)
Jack Marroquin is deployed in support of
the Beyond the Horizon exercise.
The mission has allowed Marroquin to
realize a dearly held dream, one that has
brought him, in his words, to “happiness
beyond the horizon.”
Marroquin, born in the U.S. to Salvador-
ean immigrants, has had little contact with
his extended family. When his father was
killed in a work-related accident in Feb-
ruary 2003, Marroquin met his paternal
grandfather for the first time.
He was touched and fascinated his grand-
father’s recollections about his father’s life
in El Salvador, and the changes his grand-
father had seen.
The stories inspired Marroquin to want
to someday visit and see for himself where
his family was from.
“My mom, Melva Garcia, was born in
Petty Officer 3rd Class Jack Marroquin (seventh from right in purple), fulfilled a lifelong dream of meeting his relatives in El Salvador during a recent Beyond
the Horizon exercise.
• Volume 1 Issue 7 • April 21, 2011 • U.S.
... La Union, while my dad, Serafin Mar-
roquin, was born here in Quezaltepeque.
My mom left for the U.S. in the eighties
... [she] has always been caring and hard-
working, and my dad was responsible and
family-oriented. They
gave me my values
and pride in being
Salvadorean.”
When Marroquin
learned he would be
part of the mission to
El Salvador, he was
MARROQUIN ecstatic. The humani-
tarian mission included construction of an
auditorium for an elementary school in Te-
petitan with local engineers.
“I know I’m doing a good thing for good,
hardworking people in the country my
parents came from. Since we hopped on
the plane my happiness has been visible
and my feet have been itching to stand in
El Salvador,” said Marroquin.
Shortly after arriving in El Salvador,
Marroquin met Brig. Gen. Acosta of the
Salvadorean Army. He shared his story
with Acosta, who was taken with the idea
Southern Command and U.S. Army Garrison - Miami 3
that Marroquin should visit his father’s
hometown, and offered to provide security
for the trip. Lt. j.g. Henry Wallis, Officer
-in-Charge of Marroquin’s unit, made ar-
rangements for the four-hour trip April 30.
“When I met my grandfather when my
dad died, I told him I wanted to visit him
in El Salvador. He had told me all about
the house he was so proud he had bought,
and I want to step inside that house. I also
know seeing him will remind us both of
my dad, so I’m sure it will be emotional,”
said Marroquin. He also talked about aunts
and cousins he would see for the first time
in his life. “They all loved my dad, and
they have said they see part of him in me
when they look at pictures, so they are as
anxious as I am.”
“My stay in El Salvador has been better
than I can ever explain,” said Marroquin.
“I’ve made lots of friends, seen a lot of
happy children’s faces, and created a lot of
memories I will cherish forever. Hopeful-
ly I will get to return to El Salvador after
this, because this mission has given me a
new meaning and a new love for the coun-
try where my parents were born.”
Courtesy photo
4 Nosotros • We • Nou • NÓS • NOUS • Volume 1 Issue 7 • April 21, 2011 • U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Army Garrison - Miami

Family & Morale, Welfare and

Recreation activities and events
Family and MWR n SPRING GOLF SPORTS & FITNESS
announcements may be TOURNAMENT, Fri, May
found on the portal under 27, Inverrary Country Club, n COMING SOON - Zumba, Yoga,
“Command Announcements.” Lauderhill. Registration and Spinning, Kick boxing and Tai-chi!
Are you on facebook? Go to coffee - 6:45 - 7:30 a.m. , Tee n TRX SUSPENSION TRAINING- Mon. &
our official facebook page, off - 8 a.m., Lunch - 1 p.m., Wed., 6 p.m. $3 per class. Build functional
USAG-MIAMI FMWR, and Awards ceremony and prizes strength, balance and core stability all
click “LIKE” for information will begin immediately after at once with this unique training system.
on tickets, trips events! lunch is served. To register
or more information, please Please register with Jill Hauser, Jill.Hauser@
To be placed on the Family and MWR e-mail contact the ITR office, 305-437-1595. E4, GS-5 hq.southcom.mil. Classes will be given
list, send your name, phone number and e-mail equivalent - $25, E-5, -6, -7, GS 6-9 - $30, by certified TRX trainer Idalia Lopez.
address to mwrcustomervice@hq.southcom.mil. E-8, 9, 03-05, GS-10-12 Equivalent - $35, n OPEN PLAY VOLLEYBALL Tuesdays
0-6 and above, GS-13 and above - $40, and Thursdays, 12-1 p.m.
n DAYS OF REMEMBRANCE OBSERVANCE - Contractors and guests - $45. Title sponsors:
THURS., MAY 5 SAIC, Terremark Worldwide, General n FUNCTIONAL FITNESS 6-7 a.m.,
10:30 - 11:30 a.m. Dynamics. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 3-7 p.m., Mon.-
CCA Main Conference Room (The Department of Defense does Fri. For more information, call the
Guest Speaker: David not endorse the sponsors.) fitness center at 0123/0124.
Schaecter, Holocaust survivor
Days of Remembrance is the nation’s annual n Join the FAMILY AND MWR INDOOR
commemoration of the Holocaust. This eventu- WALKING GROUP. Meets Mon., Wed.
ally resulted in the creation of the U.S. Holo-
TICKETS OFFERED BY and Fri., at 11:30 a.m. on the
caust Memorial Museum as a permanent living
THE INFORMATION, indoor track. To join, contact
memorial to the victims. This year’s Holocaust
TICKETS AND Angie Williams, ext. 0123.
remembrance week is May 1–8.
REGISTRATION (ITR)
OFFICE, CHILD, YOUTH AND
305-437-1595 OR SCHOOL SERVICES:
n FAMILY AND MWR MOTHER’S DAY
SALE, May 5-6, 10am-4pm, Headquarters’ 305-437-2400 n Register your school-age child
Courtyard. Take advantage of the n ZOO MIAMI (formerly now for summer camp, June 13
discounted prices that the vendors will offer Miami Metro Zoo) tickets June through Aug. 19, Kindergarten
to SOUTHCOM members for this very special now available. Adult: through 5th grade. Select only the
occasion. Vendors participating: Things $14, Child: $10. Save weeks you need! Call the Child
and Occasions Jewelry, Global Export & up to 18% per person. Development Center at 305-437-1281,
Import (Middle East Products). Therapeutic or 1283, Mon. - Fri., 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Mobile Spa, Stephanie’s Jewelry. n WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT Now
n We now have our own MASSAGE
through Sep 28 active and retired U.S.
n MILITARY SPOUSE THERAPIST!
military personnel (including current and
APPRECIATION LUNCHEON - 60 minute session - $70,
retired members of the United States
SATURDAY, MAY 14 30 minute session - $35.
Coast Guard, National Guard and
Register for the Spouse Appreciation Luncheon, To schedule your appointment call Russell
Reserves) or their spouses can purchase:
Saturday, May 14. Join us for lunch, gifts, Protzman 305-951-1286 or 305-887-1719.
mini-massages and a delightful time - Disney 4-Day Military Promotional
Tickets with Park Hopper Option AMERICA’S HEROES GOLF PROGRAM
overlooking the Intracoastal and
Miami Beach skyline. For more for $135 each; Park Hopper n ATTENTION OEF/OIF vets - Miami-
information contact Macarena and Water Parks Fun and More Dade Parks & Rec Dept. offers free
Schmidt at 305-437-2400, mac- Options are $162 each golf at selected courses to you.
arena.schmidt@hq.southcom.mil. - Disney Military Promotional For more information:
Tickets (including any options)
n KEYS 100 MARATHON expire and may not be used after http://www.southcom.mil/usag-miami/sites/
SATURDAY, MAY 14 Oct 1. Disney 4-Day Military mwr/files/AmerHeroesGolfProgram.pdf
The event is a 6-person relay race Promotional Tickets for the Walt Disney Or contact Steve Lucius at: 305-829-8456,
covering 100 miles from Key Largo to World Resort may not be used on the ext. 228, or stevel@miamidade.gov
Key West. There are at least three teams from following dates: April 17-23 and July 4.
SOUTHCOM participating.
For SOUTHCOM info. contact, Col. Drew, Cmdr.
John Townsend or Maj. Lloyd Hager are some
of the team captains. For more information visit
www.keys100.com. n HAIR THE MUSICAL “Let the Sun Shine
In,” June 19, 2 p.m., Broward Center for the
n BUS TRIP TO BUSCH GARDENS Performing Arts. Don’t miss HAIR, the most
Sat, May 14. Adults - $79, Children - $69. exuberant musical on stage! HAIR tells the story
Deadline to pay, Wed., May 11, close of busi- of a group of friends choosing to speak up and
ness. sing out in celebration of love, life and freedom.
Mezzanine: $38.
Nosotros • We • Nou • NÓS • NOUS
EPOY, from page 1
happy that it finally became a reality.”
The achievements of the award winners
from the eligibility period – Jan. 1 through
Dec. 31, 2010 – demonstrate that excellence.
Among those accomplishments, Master-
at-Arms First Class Lukosus, Navy Expe-
ditionary Guard Battalion detention camp
leading petty officer, led and managed 311
guards in the safe, humane, legal and trans-
parent care of more than 120 detainees;
completed an apprenticeship program; and
volunteered more than 25 hours of off-duty
time in support of several organizations in-
cluding the Red Cross.
The accolades of Master-at-Arms Second
Class Pemberton, NEGB Behavioral Health
Unit/Detainee Hospital assistant watch com-
mander, included leading 15 guards in the
safe, humane, legal and transparent care and
custody of the mentally unstable, sick and
injured; completing more than 100 hours of
military courses outside required rating ma-
terial; and volunteering to assist in the Navy
fitness testing of more than 600 Sailors.
The two winners are a true representation
of the caliber of not only our enlisted corps,
but also the men and women who make up
• Volume 1 Issue 7 • April 21, 2011 • U.S.
“We all feel extremely happy
that (this annual recognition
program) has finally
become a reality ...”
Command Sgt.
Maj. Luis Espinal
SOUTHCOM.
“At times, especially at joint commands
where you have a very diversified work-
force, which includes representation from
all services, numerous interagency, and ci-
vilians, the young enlisted workforce feels
unappreciated because they tend to get lost
in the shuffle,” said Sgt. Maj. Espinal.
“These recognition programs reinforce
the fact that their efforts are indeed appre-
ciated and recognized.”
Currently this annual award program is
open to every component command, joint
task force and military group in the South-
ern Command’s area of responsibility. This
includes senior (E-6s and E-7s) and junior
(E-1s through E-5s) enlisted from Army
South, Marine Corps South, Navy South,
Air Forces Southern, Joint Interagency
Task Force – South, Joint Task Force Bravo,
Joint Task Force Guantanamo,MILGRPs
Southern Command and U.S. Army Garrison - Miami 5
and SOUTHCOM Headquarters. Nominees
represent about 3,000 personnel throughout
the SOUTHCOM AOR.
“Programs like this boost morale with the
enlisted workforce because they are reflec-
tive of the appreciation and gratitude of the
senior leadership, and it goes a long way
when our young warriors are recognized
regularly in a public setting by the leader-
ship for their many contributions and efforts
to the unit,” said Sgt. Maj. Espinal. “We all
feel extremely happy that (this annual rec-
ognition program) has finally become a re-
ality -- I have to thank General Fraser for
his blessings and support.”
SOUTHCOM leaders are encouraged to
start thinking about, planning and mentor-
ing enlisted members for the 2011 awards.
Nominations will be due in February 2012.
For more information about this award
program, please consult with your service-
specific enlisted advisor; Sgt. Maj. Eric
Geressy, SOUTHCOM senior enlisted
leader, at eric.geressy@hq.southcom.mil;
Sgt. 1st Class Ronald Garcia, SOUTH-
COM HQ senior enlisted advisor execu-
tive officer, at ronald.garcia@hq.southcom.
mil, or Sgt. Maj. Espinal at louis.espinal@
hq.southcom.mil.

CJCS spouse debuts ‘Family Forum’ blog

Deborah Mullen, a Navy
wife and military family advo-
cate, is married to Adm. Mike
Mullen, chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff. Her blog can
be found at: http://afps.dodlive.
mil/2011/05/03/family-forum-
supporting-military-families-
year-round
During the Month of the Mili-
tary Child in April, there were
picnics, parades, fairs and festi-
vals across the country — all to
honor military children for their
special contributions.
There is no issue nearer or
dearer to my heart than rein-
forcing to our military children
that they are, indeed, a key part
of the military community and
how equally important it is to
recognize the sacrifices they
make every day.
It’s one thing to be a military
child during peacetime, quite an-
other during a time of war. Every
day, these young ones shoulder
worry, stress and responsibil-
ity far beyond their years while
mom or dad is deployed. It’s
not just the missed birthdays, or
helping mom with extra chores
that dad would normally do.
It’s the fear that their world can
crumble at a moment’s notice.
When their parent comes
home, the stress and challenges
don’t necessarily disappear. It’s
a safe bet dad didn’t return quite
the same guy he was when he
left. He, too, may have emotional
and even physical challenges to
face. And he, too, may be afraid
… and perhaps even afraid to
admit it.
Many of these kids have
known only war … only worry.
Dealing with these things
months and years on end, de-
mands resilience and toughness
– qualities innate to military
children and something most are
particularly proud of to be sure.
I can personally attest to the
inner strength military families
develop through deployments,
frequent moves and new cultural
experiences. There is, of course,
much to love about a military
life and a lot to value about the
richness and diversity it brings.
As I meet with military fami-
lies across the country, it is clear
to me that a decade of war in Iraq
and Afghanistan has challenged
them, stretched them, and tested
their resilience and strength in
unprecedented ways.
That reality isn’t always readi-
ly seen or understood by the rest
of America.
My husband speaks frequently
on this topic. He notes that to-
day, less than one percent of our
population serves in uniform.
We are concerned that people
who used to have day-to-day
connections with military men
and women and their families
may not know much about them
anymore, so they are simply un-
aware of the stress and challeng-
es these families face — a situa-
tion compounded by the fact that
most military families bear their
burdens quietly.
It is evident to me that people
care and want to help. Often,
they just don’t know what to do.
That’s why May’s Military Ap-
preciation Month is an important
efforts to help us get moving in
the right direction.
Our military men and women
and their families do so much
and sacrifice so much to take
care of America. This is about
doing everything we can to —
together — take care of them …
not just in May but year round.
-- You also can follow her on
Twitter and Facebook.
6 Nosotros • We • Nou • NÓS • NOUS • Volume 1 Issue 7 • April 21, 2011 • U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Army Garrison - Miami

Around the Americas

CONTINUING
PROMISE
KINGSTON, Jamaica --
U.S. Marine Corps. Sgt.
Peter Swigart from
Maumee, Ohio plays soc-
cer with a Kingston boy
at Trenchtown Primary
School in Kingston, Ja-
maica as part of Continu-
ing Promise 2011. This
is a five-month humani-
tarian assistance mission
to the Caribbean, Central
and South America.

Mass Communication Specialist

2nd Class Eric C. Tretter

UNITAS 2011 NEW HORIZONS - HAITI

Sgt. 1st Class Paul Meeker, Task Force Bon Voizen Public Affairs
GONAIVES - Florida Guardsmen, Sgt. Thomas
Mealor and Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Strickland,
Task Force Bon Voizen, 869th Engineer Company,
check dimensions for a wall layout on the school
house slab at Upper Poteau. New Horizons Haiti
Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Steve Smith 2011 – Task Force Bon Voizen is a U.S. Southern
ATLANTIC OCEAN -- The guided-missile destroyer USS Nitze (DDG 94) participates in a live-fire flare Command-sponsored exercise under the command
exercise during the Atlantic phase of UNITAS 52. Nitze, a U.S. Coast Guard cutter, and Brazilian and of the Louisiana National Guard from April 28 and
Mexican navy ships opened fire at a falling flare while underway in formation. June 25 in the Artibonite Department.
Nosotros • We • Nou • NÓS • NOUS
UNITAS troops
ready for second
half of exercise
By MC1 (SW) Steve Smith
Southern Seas 2011 Public Affairs
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- U.S. Navy
and Coast Guard ships, along with their
South American partners, prepared for the
second half of the Atlantic phase of UNI-
TAS 52 May 1, while in Rio de Janeiro.
Sailors and Coast Guardsmen from
guided-missile destroyer Nitze (DDG 94),
guided-missile frigates USS Thach (FFG
43) and USS Boone (FFG 28), and USCGC
cutter Escanaba (WMEC 907), attended
training alongside their Brazilian, Mexi-
can and Argentinian counterparts.
“These sessions allowed the team the
opportunity to clearly understand the ex-
ercise design and answer any safety ques-
tions related to the complex events ahead,”
said Capt. Marc Weeks, commander, Task
Group 138.0. “It also allows participants to
cover any shortfalls or concerns about the
exercise before the ships return to sea.”
In addition, each country hosted a recep-
tion during which their respective navies
were able to showcase their ships, crews
and customs in a social environment.
“These events were
the highlight of our
stay in Rio de Janei-
ro,” said Weeks. “The
receptions enabled
the re-establishment
of old friendships, the
development of new WEEKS
individual friendships,
and it was a venue for each participating
Navy to showcase their individual honors,
customs and traditions.”
Sailors also gathered for a day of soccer,
tug-of-war and other friendly competitions
during a sporting events day.
The six-day stop in Rio de Janeiro was
the midway point of the three-week exer-
cise, which runs April 15-May 9.
The ships will spend seven days at sea
for the final portion of the exercise. The
Atlantic phase will end with a community
relations project, wreath laying memorial
ceremony and closing ceremony, in Rio
Grande, Brazil.
• Volume 1 Issue 7 • April 21, 2011 • U.S.
PAITA, Peru - The Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) anchored off Paita,
Peru.
USNS Comfort arrives in Peru
as part of Continuing Promise
MC2 Eric Tretter
Continuing Promise 2011 Public Affairs
PAITA, Peru -- Military Sealift Com-
mand hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH
20) arrived in Paita, Peru, for her second
stop of Continuing Promise 2011 (CP11)
April 30.
Following Comfort’s initial humanitar-
ian assistance visit in Kingston, Jamaica,
the ship’s crew of military and non-gov-
ernmental organization doctors and nurs-
es now face more diverse conditions and
a language barrier in a different country,
continent and hemisphere.
“One of the things we need to be aware
of is every country we go to, you want to
look at life from the perspective of patients
that we’re seeing,” said Capt. William
Todd, director for surgical services. “We
need to take the time out from the job that
we’re doing here to try and enjoy their life
from their perspective; and it only takes a
couple of minutes per patient to do that.”
Comfort’s deployment to the region ex-
emplifies the U.S. commitment to coopera-
tive partnerships in the Caribbean, Central
and South America.
Comfort’s hospital, the Medical Treat-
ment Facility (MTF), is configured with
specialized medical teams of military and
civilian health care providers. These care-
givers provide a range of services ashore,
as well as on board the ship for approxi-
mately 250 patients.
Southern Command and U.S. Army Garrison - Miami 7
U.S. Navy photo
Combined with the overall medical
screenings comes regional and area-spe-
cific ailments that team Comfort can ex-
pect to encounter while in Peru.
“It’s really the diseases of poverty that
we see here; like everywhere else,” said
Capt. Gregory Martin, who spent three
years stationed at a Navy lab in Lima,
Peru. “There’s a lot of chronic skin dis-
ease, mild malnutrition, infection diseas-
es, respiratory ailments … it’s also so hot
and sunny here that a lot of people devel-
op pterygium, an eye condition common
among peoples living near the equator.”
Helping to bridge the language barrier
between CP11 staff and patients is a team
of 12 U.S. Air Force and Navy linguists,
who are serving as interpreters for the fi-
nal eight countries of the mission.
Along with providing translators for the
variety of medical and civil service teams,
the linguists have translated medical docu-
ments and command information packets,
and have welcomed Peruvian dignitaries,
doctors and media.
“Translating a document takes time, it’s
not just five or ten minutes, it takes hours,”
said Information Systems Technician 2nd
Class Manuel Guzman.
Aside from medical capabilities, U.S.
Navy Seabees and Marines from Navy
Mobile Construction Battalion 26 will
continue CP11’s work during civic projects
where they will revamp and repair schools
throughout the community.
8 Nosotros • We • Nou • NÓS • NOUS • Volume 1 Issue 7 • April 21, 2011 • U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Army Garrison - Miami

Local focus
A TASTEFUL TREAT FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS OVERSEAS COMMANDER’S CALL

Photo by Joel Herard, U.S. Army Garrison-Miami

MIAMI -- Gen. Douglas Fraser addresses com-
mand staff during an All Hands meeting 25.
Fraser summarized command accomplishments
Raymond Sarracino / U.S. Southern Command Public Affairs from the last three months and discussed upcom-
MIAMI -- SOUTHCOM command chaplain, Capt. Ronnie King, (second from right) joined with Congress- ing training exercises and budget issues.
woman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and representatives from the Association of Flight Attendants, Lufthansa,
Krispy Kreme and local veterans to pack 550-dozen glazed doughnuts for shipment to wounded and ill
U.S. servicemembers at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, Wed., April 20. CONGRESSIONAL VISIT
TAKE YOUR CHILD TO WORK DAY

Spec. Jason Edwards / U.S. Southern Command

Sgt. 1st Class Alex Licea / Special Operations Command South Public Affairs MIAMI -- U.S. Congressional Representative David
HOMESTEAD, FLA. -- Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael Watson took children on a military All-terrain vechile Rivera, (25th District), left, walks with U.S. Army
ride during the Special Operations Command South hosted “Take your Child to Work Day” at Homestead Garrison - Miami manager Audy Snodgrass, who
Air Reserve Base, April 28. SOCSOUTH had several activities such as a weapons and parachute display, described the operations of the Welcome Center
face painting station and several static displays of military hardware. during a tour of the SOUTHCOM campus, April 29.