VALPARAISO, Chile (June 6, 2012) Cmdr. Peter T. Mirisola, commanding officer of the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36), and officers from the Chilean navy and U.S Military Group in Chile salute during a wreath-laying ceremony at the Arturo Prat Monument in Valparaiso, Chile. Underwood is deployed to Central and South America and the Caribbean in support of Southern Seas 2012. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Frank J. Pikul/Released)
Underwood Crew Commemorates Chilean Naval Hero
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Frank J. Pikul, Southern Seas
2012 Public Affairs
VALPARAISO, Chile (NNS) -- Crew members from the Oliver Hazard Perry-class guided-missile frigate USS Underwood (FFG 36) participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Arturo Prat Monument in Valparaiso, Chile, June 6.
The ceremony was held to honor Capt. Arturo Prat, a Chilean naval hero, and other fallen Chilean sailors who fought during the War of the Pacific.
"The Chileans honor Capt. Arturo Prat and the other sailors who fought beside him because they respect the bravery of the men who followed him into battle," said Cmdr. David Brown, a U.S. Navy representative in Chile. "Those sailors sacrificed their lives in the defense of Chile."
The War of the Pacific was fought between Chile and Peru in the late 19th century. During the Battle of Iquique, Prat attempted to board a Peruvian vessel and was killed during the attack. His bravery is honored every year by the Chilean president's visit to the monument. May 21, the anniversary of the battle, is also annually celebrated in Chile as "Navy Day."
"The Chileans are very proud of their naval heritage and traditions and they honor bravery," said Brown.
Approximately 10 Sailors from Underwood were selected to attend the ceremony and were invited to tour the crypt beneath the monument, a special honor as the crypt is only opened three times a year.
"I think it is good to let the Sailors from Underwood experience this because it is a part of naval history and gives a unique perspective on how other navies honor their dead," said Brown.
Underwood is in Chile to promote cooperation and friendship between the U.S. and Chilean navies and is deployed to Central and South America and the Caribbean in support of Southern Seas 2012.
U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet (COMUSNAVSO/C4F) supports USSOUTHCOM joint and combined full-spectrum military operations by providing principally sea-based, forward presence to ensure freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain, to foster and sustain cooperative relationships with international partners and to fully exploit the sea as maneuver space in order to enhance regional security and promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Caribbean, Central and South American regions.
