PANAMAX Tours USS New York
Wed, Aug 5, 2015 @ 1:44 pm
Photo by MC1 Jacob Sippel
U.S. Navy Rear. Adm. Jon Matheson, deputy commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, tours USS New York (LPD 21) along with PANAMAX participants. PANAMAX 2015 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored multinational training exercise focused on the defense of the Panama Canal. U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet is hosting participants from 16 countries for the maritime component of the exercise in Naval Station Mayport, Florida.
Photo by MC1 Catherine Bland
Chilean navy Rear Adm. Ronald McIntyre, Combined Forces Maritime Component Commander for PANAMAX 2015, shakes the hand of Capt. Ken Coleman, USS New York (LPD 21) commanding officer, during a tour of the San Antonio class amphibious dock.
By Ensign Jamar MilesUSS Simpson Public Affairs
Military members from 16 central and South American countries toured the amphibious transport dock ship USS New York (LPD 21) on Aug. 2 in its homeport of Naval Station Mayport.
The visit showcased one of the Navy’s most state of the art amphibious ships to participants of the 2015 PANAMAX. This annual USSOUTHCOM-sponsored joint exercise focuses on the strategic defense of the Panama Canal.
“This was an excellent opportunity to see first hand a great amphibious asset. Ships like New York can make a huge impact in several types of maritime operations,” said Chilean Rear Adm. Ronald McIntyre, the Combined Forces Maritime Component Commander for the exercise.
The tour provided a unique look inside the fifth San Antonio-class ship whose namesake is that of one of the country’s most iconic states. Participants viewed many Sept. 11, 2001 artifacts displayed on board such as signs and uniforms worn by police and first responders that serve as important reminders of the attacks on the world trade center towers.
“I really enjoyed the culture exchange gained by sharing this great ship and her crew, and it’s history with our partner nations. It felt great to be on the waterfront in the company of so many proud Sailors,” said Capt. Jo Sarmeinto, commanding officer of Navy Reserve COMNAVSO/C4F.
The 2015 PANAMAX exercise, supports U.S. Southern Command’s joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations in order to maintain access, enhance interoperability, and build enduring partnerships in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.
