Oak Hill, Uruguayan Navy Conduct Joint Exercise

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Hendrick L. Dickson, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East

USS OAK HILL, At Sea (NNS) -- USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) conducted joint maritime exercises with the Uruguayan Navy in the Atlantic Ocean July 9 as part of Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2009.

Oak Hill participated in a mine-sweeping exercise with several Uruguayan ships. Uruguayan pilots were also given the opportunity to land their helicopters on the Oak Hill's flight deck during flight operations.

Capt. Brad Williamson, commodore, Destroyer Squadron 2 said the exercises were important because they embodied the spirit of SPS 2009.

"The utilization of U.S. and partner nation's ships in a combined exercise of this nature reinforces our commitment to foster a friendly, mutually cooperative maritime environment with nations who share the common interest of freedom of the seas," said Williamson. "Working together improves our interoperability and allows us to better respond to maritime contingencies in the region."

Naval leaders from both nations learned from each other during the exercise. Capt. Eduardo Franco, commander, Combined Protect Task Force Uruguay Navy, visited Oak Hill with Williamson and Oak Hill Commanding Officer Cmdr. Daniel Blackburn. Williamson and Blackburn also had the opportunity to visit leaders aboard the Uruguayan Navy ship, R.O.U. 1.

"The visit aboard R.O.U. 1 was very unique," said Blackburn. "We had a lot of discussion about how we each operate. We also got the chance to exchange ideas. Our navies share common goals, and establishing a strong, open, multi-lateral partnership enhances regional stability and security."

SPS 2009 is a combined multinational naval and amphibious operation with Oak Hill and maritime forces from Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Chile and Uruguay. Oak Hill is also supporting the U.S. Marine Corps Forces South multinational amphibious exercise known as Southern Exchange 2009. Oak Hill is scheduled to continue SPS 2009 with a port call in Brazil. The ship will return to its homeport in Little Creek, Va., in August.