Home

Foreword

Northeast Asia Engagement ::

People's Republic of China and U.S. Forces Enhancing Maritime Safety Throughout the Asia-Pacific Region

Proliferation Security Initiative Activities Attract International Interest

Cooperative Understanding ::

Cambodia-U.S. Navies Conduct Historic Exchange

Regional Response Forces ::

Indian, Canadian and U.S. Forces Partner for a Safer Asia-Pacific Region

RIMPAC 2006:
Fostering Regional Peace and Security

Philippine-U.S. Forces Building Interoperability and Goodwill

Happenings  ::

Happenings

Cambodia-U.S. Navies Conduct Historic Exchange
By Cmdr. Jensin W. Sommer, USN, and PO2 Barry Hirayama, USN

Cmdr. Jensin W. Sommer, USN, is Commander Task Force 70 Public Affairs, and PO2 Barry Hirayama, USN, is assigned to Fleet Public Affairs Center Detachment, Japan.

The arrival of guided missile frigate USS Gary (FFG 51) in Sihanoukville harbor, Cambodia, in early February 2007 was the first visit by a U.S. Navy ship in three decades. Royal Cambodian sailors lined up in formation and many local Cambodians waited on the pier for the ship’s arrival. “It’s certainly a special honor to be chosen to be that ship ... ,” said Cmdr. Joseph Deleon, commanding officer of the USS Gary.

During the USS Gary’s five-day visit, the sailors interacted with the people of Cambodia through a number of activities ranging from sporting events to medical aid. In addition, the crew conducted professional exchanges with the Royal Cambodian Navy that included a damage control demonstration.

While visiting Cambodia in January 2007 before the USS Gary’s arrival, Admiral Gary Roughead, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, said, “We believe that [this ship’s visit marks] a beginning of a strong navy-to-navy relationship with many opportunities for the future. But the most important thing that will happen is that our sailors and [Cambodian] sailors will have an opportunity to meet and to talk and to develop relationships to better understand one another and how we operate our navies and exchange ideas and develop friendships that are so important on the water.” During his visit, Admiral Roughead met with Cambodian defense officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, H.E. Tea Banh.

Damage control demonstration
USS Gary’s crew members conducted a damage control demonstration for 30 Royal Cambodian Navy personnel during the port visit. Crew members displayed a wide range of damage control equipment on the helicopter flight deck and discussed their purpose and method of use with the Cambodian sailors. “We set up gear consisting of firefighting, de-smoking, de-watering and emergency access equipment and other emergency gear,” said U.S. Navy CPO Michael D. Kaszubowski.

The demonstration also included a simulated fire in the port hangar bay, and the crew showed their guests a typical emergency response. Some of the Cambodian sailors also put on the ship’s firefighting ensembles and tested damage control equipment. “It’s very good for the Cambodian Navy, because it’s the first time for us to see the American Navy’s ship. It is very helpful to see the training and learn about it,” said Capt. In Sokhemra, commanding officer of Royal Cambodian Navy Patrol Boat 1101.

The demonstration benefited not only the host nation’s navy, but also the local port’s security department. Thong Viro, Sihanoukville Port’s Chief Security Officer, also participated in the demonstration and plans to pass on the lessons to his staff. “This is very helpful for us,” he said. “I can see for myself and explain to the others, so they know what new firefighting and other equipment is available and used by the U.S. Navy.”

Civic action programs
During the port visit, USS Gary sailors interacted with the people of Cambodia through a number of activities. A major outreach event was a medical civic action program (MEDCAP) to provide primary health and dental care to local villagers. This project involved a team of U.S. Navy medical personnel working side by side with a medical doctor and three assistants from the Royal Cambodian Navy. The Andong Thmor Health Center in the village of Khum Prey Nup hosted the two-day MEDCAP.

On the first day, personnel from a non-government organization (NGO) used puppets to teach public health education classes, while the medical team conducted a health needs assessment of prospective patients. Cambodian, NGO, and U.S. Navy doctors and dentists provided health and dental care to the neediest citizens. Other U.S. Navy sailors also pitched in to support the local community by cleaning, painting and repairing the clinic.

In Sihanoukville, U.S. sailors also spent the day at the Village D’enfant de Sihanoukville orphanage conducting games and activities for the children and delivering toys, clothes and supplies, including 300 yards (274 meters) of fabric, three mobile cribs, skateboards, soccer balls and more. Displaying more of a competitive nature, sailors from both navies squared off in soccer and volleyball games at Ream Naval Base.

Conclusion
U.S. Navy ships routinely make port calls in a variety of locations as a means to interact with the people of other countries and to promote regional cooperation. As U.S. Ambassador to Cambodia Joseph A. Mussomeli stated, “The USS Gary’s visit to Cambodia shows not only an expansion, but a deepening, of the U.S.-Cambodia bilateral relationship. While this is clearly a military ship and has a military purpose, it also has a humanitarian purpose and a diplomatic purpose.”

E-mail: apdforum@apan-info.net