SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico - State Partnership Program (SPP) partners of the Honduran navy had the opportunity to travel aboard a Landing Craft Machine (LCM) from the Puerto Rico National Guard (PRNG) to Vieques, Puerto Rico, as part of the State Partnership Program, in which both partner countries exchanged knowledge and compared notes on procedures, technology and navigational skills on May 28.
Aboard the LCM, Citizen-Soldiers of the PRNG and Honduran navy members discussed various topics that ranged from the engine room to the latest technology used to identify the vessel through a mapping system in case of an emergency. The partners also discussed how beneficial these visits are and the impact they have on them.
"It is very useful for both (landing craft) units since they exchange knowledge and experience in order to have greater development," said Capitán de Corbeta del Cuerpo General Marcos Carbajal of the Honduran navy.
Carbajal, along with four crew members, sailed aboard the LCM in order to have first-hand experience with the equipment.
Working alongside the Honduran partners was Lt. Col. Carlos Santana, SPP director for the PRNG, to ensure that the partners were receiving the information needed to better their operations.
According to Santana, the SPP's purpose is to pair partner countries to exchange knowledge in various fields to include human rights, disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and search and rescue among others.
"Our cooperation with Honduras dates back to 1998, right after Hurricane Mitch," Santana said. "that's when the bond was created."
Honduran navy Maestre 1 Jose Alfredo Solorzano, communications expert on board the LCU Punta Caxinas FNH-1491, acknowledged that the program offers a wide variety of learning opportunities for both countries. Solorzano also had a very pleasant visit to the island.
"I came to learn a lot about technology and the country, and also about the latest advancements," said Solorzano.
"We have the same things, but they (PRNG LCM detachment) are much more ahead of us when it comes to putting the technology in practice." Solorzano said.
In addition to learning about technology, the Honduran sailors also gathered tips on the exterior maintenance of the equipment as well as iron repairs.
During their visit to Vieques, the SPP partners had the opportunity to embrace the local culture at the heart of the island. While locals curiously looked upon the visitors, the service members from Honduras and the Puerto Rico National Guard gathered around a table to discuss some of the highlights of the trip that they would be taking back with them as a new experience.
During their visit, the SPP partners also had the opportunity to meet the adjutant general of Puerto Rico, Brig. Gen. Juan J. Medina Lamela, and members of his command staff.
The LCM is used to transport vehicles and equipment.