Puerto Belgrano – Representatives from the Argentine Navy and the United States Navy last week organized the so-called Marine Personnel Dialogue 2022 (MST for its abbreviation in English).
They intended to agree on actions for the coming years, such as Argentina’s participation in multinational exercises, among other interconnected activities between the two institutions.
The US delegation was led by the Commander of the IV Fleet, Rear Admiral James Aiken, received by Rear Admiral Juan Carlos Daniel Abondanza, Commander of Naval Training and Recruiting (COAA) at Puerto Belgrano Naval Base (BNPB).
Arriving at Comandant Espora Naval Air Base, on Tuesday afternoon, he moved with COAA personnel to Battery Marine Infantry Base. There he came to know about the museum and the historical battery. In the said destination he was received by the Commander of the Marine Corps, Navy Commodore IM Fernando Daniel Terbill.
Later, the commander of the Sea Fleet, Rear Admiral Carlos María Allivi, received him at the Puerto Belgrano Naval Base and accompanied him to the destroyer ARA “Sarandi”.
The meetings began on Wednesday with the presentation of the agenda to be developed in the meeting room of the BNPB Signal Tower in the presence of both the commissions.
Donation to “Eva Peron” Municipal Hospital in Punta Altas
At noon that day, the delegation went to the “Eva Perón” Municipal Hospital in the city of Punta Alta. Military officers from the Argentine Navy and the United States Navy were present; from the municipality of Coronel di Marina Leonardo Rosales, led by the interim mayor, Dr. Carlos Gabbarini; and the director of the hospital, Dr. Omar Barrios.
“The Office of Defense Cooperation at the United States Embassy in Argentina has a humanitarian assistance program from the United States Department of Defense and this program was created to assist local governments and strengthen disaster risk systems and the health of populations”highlighted Commander Richard Reyes, the head of the military section of the United States Embassy.
Donations include two dental chairs and a table for surgery. “Taking advantage of the invitation of the Argentine Navy and the visit of Rear Admiral Aiken, and given the history and links that exist between the Municipality of Coronel Rosales and the Argentine Navy, it was decided to use this humanitarian assistance program Collaborate with the Embassy and the community that equips this hospital”Captain Reyes added.
The program aims to help countries develop their capacity for disaster preparedness, response and damage mitigation, on the grounds that logistical coordination is necessary to guarantee the success of relief operations in these situations.
Following the donation’s presentation, Rear Admiral Aiken highlighted: “This donation allows us to come closer and be a part of your community and it is an honor for me to be present in this delivery. This would not have been possible without our comrades from the Argentine Navy, who gave us the opportunity to collaborate with the hospital through this assistance program by donating these dental chairs and this surgery table.
Meanwhile, on behalf of the municipality of Coronel di Marina Leonardo Rosales, Dr. Gabberini thanks the donation and emphasizes that “We hope that we will continue to maintain the relationship with the Navy that we have been developing for many years and be able to strengthen them over time.”
The dental equipment will be used in the Primary Care Centers (CAPs) of the Municipality of Coronel Rosales.
Minutes signing and farewell
After the ceremony at the “Eva Peron” hospital, they went to the Signal Tower, where a Memorandum of Understanding was signed, after which the naval officers exchanged institutional gifts.
These meetings have been held alternately since 2017 with headquarters in Argentina and the United States, this time in person, two years after being held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As a representative of the Argentine Navy, I would like to highlight the excellent working relationship that the Navy maintains. The purpose of these meetings on land is to bring a common language to the sea when it comes to joint activities.COAA, expressed by Rear Admiral Juan Carlos Daniel Abondanza.
On the last day of his stay in the area, Rear Admiral Aiken and his crew left for Bahia Blanca to visit the Comandante Espora Naval Air Base and visit the Naval Aviation Museum. The Commander of Naval Aviation, Navy Commodore Juan Alberto Mercatelli, accompanied him during the tour.
