CNO Visits Chile, Attends Exponaval Conference
Story Number: NNS081202-01
Release Date: 12/2/2008 9:15:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Rebekah Blowers, Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs
VALPARAÍSO, Chile (NNS) -- The Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Gary Roughead is visiting Chilean Naval personnel and bases and will participate in the 2008 International Exponaval Conference in Chile this week.
While in Valparaíso, CNO met with his counterpart, the Chilean Commander in Chief, Adm. Rodolfo Codina and other Chilean Navy leaders. Additionally, he toured the off-shore Patrol Vessel (OPV) PZM-81 "Piloto Pardo," the Type-23 Frigate "Lynch" and observed a "change of the guard ceremony" at the Chilean Naval Academy.
The conference includes naval leaders from 28 countries throughout Europe, Asia and Latin America. Exponaval provides a platform for meeting and exchanging ideas and experiences among the participants.
CNO said conferences like this are essential to keeping the lines of communication open between the U.S. Navy and its maritime partners and friends around the world. CNO also praised his Chilean Navy hosts.
"Its important for both of our navies to be able to meet and to talk about the opportunities we have before us and for me to be able to express my appreciation to Admiral Codina for the great work that his Navy does in so many places. And, we will look at ways we can continue to do more together," Roughead said.
