USS Independence (LCS 2) Departs Mazatlán

MAZATLáN, SIN, MEXICO

04.02.2019

Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. 3rd Fleet           

MAZATLÁN, Mexico – The Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Independence (LCS 2) departed Mazatlán, Mexico, after port visit April 2.
“Our crew was excited to show off our ship and represent the U.S. Navy to our partners in Mexico,” said LCS 2 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Matthew Scarlett. “We were able to give back to the local community while in port, and enjoy the hospitality and culture of Mazatlán.”
While in port, the ship’s crew, in coordination with the local U.S. consulate, organized a community relations event at local orphanage Orfanatorio Mazatlán. Sailors donated clothes and other items gathered prior to arrival and played with children at the orphanage.
“These Sailors are welcome in Mazatlán any day,” said Dr. Gloria López Gavito, director of the orphanage. “They really brightened the children’s day.”
The visit also marked an opportunity for the ship’s crew to experience the hospitality of one of the U.S. Navy’s regional partners and showcase one of the newest classes of U.S. warships.
Independence currently serves as a Research & Development platform and is assigned to Commander, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron ONE under operational control of U.S. 3rd Fleet.
LCS vessels are high-speed, agile, shallow draft, mission-focused surface combatants designed for operations in the littoral environment, yet fully capable of open ocean operations. As part of the surface fleet, LCS has the ability to counter and outpace evolving threats independently or within a network of surface combatants. Paired with advanced sonar and mine hunting capabilities, LCS provides a major contribution, as well as a more diverse set of options to commanders, across the spectrum of operations.
Third Fleet leads naval forces in the Pacific and provides the realistic, relevant training necessary for an effective global Navy. Third Fleet coordinates with U.S. 7th Fleet to plan and execute missions based on their complementary strengths to promote ongoing peace, security, and stability throughout the entire Pacific theater of operations.
For more information on the USS Independence please visit: https://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/lcs2/Pages/default.aspx

For more information on U.S. Third Fleet visit www.navy.mil/local/c3f/.

• Date Taken: 04.02.2019
• Date Posted: 04.02.2019 15:03
• Story ID: 316672
• Location: MAZATLáN, SIN, MX