MARFORSOUTH commander visits SPMAGTF-South Marines in Cuba

Photo By Sgt. Christopher J. Moore | Brigadier Gen. David Coffman, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South, talks to Chief Warrant Officer Shane Duhe, combat cargo officer for USS America and Capt. Noemi Aponte, combat cargo officer for Expeditionary Strike Group 3, during his visit aboard the future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6) at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, July 21, 2014. Gen. Coffman also addressed the Marines with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force South to reiterate the mission of the SPMAGTF and to congratulate them on their performance in Colombia. The ship is currently traveling through the U.S. Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility on her maiden transit, “America visits the Americas.” (U.S. Marine Corps Photo by Cpl. Christopher J. Moore/Released)  

U.S. NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA

07.22.2014

Story by Cpl. Christopher J. Moore 

U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South

U.S. NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba – Marines and Sailors manned the rails of the future amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), July 21, as she pulled into port at U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The ship docked, the ramp was staged and Brig. Gen. David Coffman, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South, stepped aboard.

General Coffman commended the Marines and Sailors with Special Purpose Marine Air Ground Task Force South on a job well done at their first port visit in Colombia and reminded them of what is expected for the remainder of the transit.

“This is my philosophy for Marine Forces South, and it’s what I want to see from Marines who operate in this area of responsibility,” Gen. Coffman said. “One, we engage everywhere, but remain ready to surge into operations when required. Two, we listen to partners and work together toward common objectives in pursuit of peace and stability. The imperative of partnership is front and center in everything we do. We plan and execute with cultural savvy regarding our area of responsibility’s unique history and characteristics.”

He spoke on the Marine Corps returning to its amphibious roots, encouraging the Marines to embrace the Navy-Marine Corps partnership and lifestyle. Many of the Marines and Sailors aboard America are experiencing their first time at sea.

“We maintain our special ties to the Navy and the naval character of the Marine Corps. We seek integration with all activities with U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command,” Gen. Coffman said.

He concluded by urging the Marines and Sailors to be ambassadors of their Corps and country, to recognize that their tactical actions can have strategic effects. Additionally, to act with sensitivity and a spirit of friendship with the partners-nations, and to always display a fundamental respect for human rights.

America is currently transiting through the U.S. Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet area of responsibility on her maiden transit, “America Visits the Americas.” America is the first ship if its class, replacing the Tarawa-class amphibious assault ships. As the next generation of “big-deck” amphibious assault ship, America is optimized for aviation, capable of supporting current and future aircraft such as the MV-22 Osprey and F-35B Joint Strike Fighter.

The ship is scheduled to be commissioned Oct. 11 in San Francisco.

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• Date Taken: 07.22.2014
• Date Posted: 07.28.2014 18:02
• Story ID: 137547
• Location: U.S. NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CU