Ambassador Martinez Meet with Mayor of Bahía Blanca Cristian Breitenstein

March 8, 2010

Ambassador Martinez at USS Carl Vinson

Ambassador Vilma Martinez visited on March 9 the USS Carl Vinson off the coast of Bahia Blanca. “It is amazing to think that a few short weeks ago, USS Carl Vinson was the centerpiece of the immediate humanitarian response to the earthquake in Haiti,” said Ambassador Martinez.

USS Carl Vinson recently participated in humanitarian relief operations in Haiti following the devastating earthquake that struck last January. The vessel will conduct joint naval exercises with the Argentine Navy off the coast March 8-10. The exercise designated “Gringo-Gaucho” has been conducted by the Naval Forces of both countries for many years.   

“We are happy to have the opportunity to work with the Argentines, especially as they celebrate their bicentennial this year,” said Rear Adm. Ted Branch, Commander  Carrier Strike Group 1, including Carl Vinson along with USS Bunker Hill, destroyer Squadron 1 and components from Carrier Air Wing 17, and added: “Our time here will have extra meaning as we build upon our partnership together.”

USS Carl Vinson recently participated in similar operations with Brazil and Uruguay. On this occassion, USS Carl Vinson, along with USS Bunker Hill, Destroyer Squadron 1 and components from Carrier Air Wing 17 will conduct various naval exercises including military-to-military exchange, an air wing exchange, cross-deck operations for Argentine helicopters and low approaches from Argentine aircraft. “The opportunity to operate with the Argentine Navy is one that does not come along very often for U.S. Navy aircraft carriers. We look forward to learning valuable lessons from each other during our time here that will benefit all of us for years to come,” highlighted Vinson’s Commanding Officer Capt. Bruce H. Lindsey.

After witnessing the joint exercises with special guests and Argentine government officers, Ambassador Martinez said: “Today we have the opportunity to witness our two great Navies continue their long tradition of partnership on the seas. By working and operating together we can help maintain and strengthen the friendship between our two countries.”