The Cyclone-class patrol coastal ship USS Zephyr (PC 8) departed Montego Bay, Jamaica, May 6, following a scheduled port visit.

Zephyr is the first U.S. Navy ship to visit the Caribbean nation since the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS John P. Mertha (LPD 26) in August of 2016.

"Montego Bay was be a great opportunity for Zephyr Sailors to be ambassadors for the Navy and United States, and further strengthen our relationship with Jamaica," said Lt. j.g. Christopher Dendor, Zephyr's executive officer.

While in port, Zephyr Sailors had the opportunity to engross themselves in the southern nation's local culture and hospitality.

"I've been looking forward to Jamaica for a while now," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class Andrew Haston. "I was able to try my hand at snorkeling and it was very exciting to see the underwater wildlife the coastline had to offer."

"I was super thrilled to try the local food," said Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Austin Vosburg. "I've always been a fan of Caribbean cuisine back in the states, and I was definitely not disappointed trying the Montego Bay chow."

Zephyr, homeported in Mayport, Florida, is currently underway in support of Operation Martillo, a joint operation with the U.S. Coast Guard and partner nations within the 4th Fleet area of responsibility.

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet support U.S. Southern Command's joint and combined military operations by employing maritime forces in cooperative maritime security operations 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.

For more information, visit http://www.navy.mil, http://www.facebook.com/usnavy, or http://www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command & U.S. 4th Fleet, visit http://www.navy.mil/.