Embassy Information
Embassy Event
CHARGÉ D’AFFAIRES THOMAS KELLY AND USS OAK HILL COMMANDER HOST A RECEPTION IN PUERTO BELGRANO IN SUPPORT OF MULTINATIONAL EXERCISE SOUTHERN EXCHANGE 2009
June 29, 2009
Chargé d’Affaires Thomas P. Kelly attended on June 29 a reception aboard USS Oak Hill, the U.S. warship visiting Puerto Belgrano in Bahia Blanca in support of the multinational amphibious exercise Southern Exchange 2009. Navy officers from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, USA, Peru and Uruguay will participate in this combined multinational exercise where Oak Hill will support Argentine Navy partners.
“We greatly appreciate the important participation of the Argentine Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps in the multinational exercise Southern Exchange and hope to further strengthen relations between our Navies. – said Chargé d’Affaires Thomas Kelly during a reception on USS Oak Hill.
USS Oak Hill arrived June 26 to deliver two UH-3H Sea King helicopters (one will become operational and the other will be used for spare parts) and ammunitions for small weapons acquired by the Argentine Navy.
Capt. Brad Williamson, Commander, Destroyer Squadron TWO, USS Oak Hill, and the U.S. Embassy in Argentina, represented by Chargé d’Affaires Kelly hosted the event to honor the partnership between the U.S. and Argentina. Among the guests in attendance were Vice Adm. Carlos Paz, Argentine Fleet Forces Command and the Argentine Navy Fleet Commanding Officer, Rear Adm. Eduardo 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 Commander Williamson and added: “I am thrilled to be able to host this event for this distinguished group to celebrate our friendship and our support for each other.”
Cmdr. Daniel Blackburn, Oak Hill Commanding Officer, said: “It is an honor to be able to bring this ship to Argentina and to show our Navy partners what the Oak Hill is all about.”
Mr. Kelly thanked the crew of the Destroyer Squadron TWO, USS Oak Hill for the delivery of the UH-3H Sea King helicopters to the Argentine Navy. “Events and examples of cooperation like the transfer of these helicopters and this wonderful reception help strengthen the existing ties between our two countries and create opportunities for new personal and professional relations.” -- said Mr. Kelly.
Oak Hill is on a three-month deployment participating in the Southern Exchange 2009 and will depart Puerto Belgrano July 1. The ship is scheduled to return to its homeport in Little Creek, Virginia, in late August.
