MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

US George Washington and task force visit Valparaiso

US aircraft carrier George Washington will anchor in Chile's Region V port city of Valparaiso tomorrow Wednesday. The air carrier is visiting Chile as part of the Partnership of the Americas POA, military training program.

The leading vessel, its accompanying combat ships, the frigate Kaufman and the destroyer Farragut, will spend four days anchored in Valparaíso. During this time the crew and Chile's Navy will participate in joint training exercises related to air and surface attacks and antisubmarine tactics. Chilean and U.S. naval personnel will also meet to discuss the international maritime safety situation and to exchange information. Additionally, the visiting crews will participate in community outreach activities that will include making repairs to local schools and competing in sporting events. Valparaíso tourism officials predict that the US crew will also spend their time supporting the local economy. The Superior Tourism Council (CONSETUR) expects the nearly 3,000 crew members to come ashore to spend a daily total of approximately 190,000 US dollars in credit card purchases alone. CONSETUR is basing its prediction on the 350% increase in daily sales that occurred when another US aircraft carrier anchored in the area in 2004. The upsurge in commerce won't just be for buying souvenirs. Police will step up patrols of tourism and nightlife areas and focus special attention on controlling prostitution during the visiting crew's stay. The nuclear-powered George Washington, which a US government press release called a "floating city," is 333 meters long and can transport up to 85 combat aircraft and 6.300 crew members. This week marks the George Washington's first visit to Chile. Still, this is the third year in which the US Navy is directing bilateral and multilateral POA training exercises. According to the US government, the program aims to improve the ability of the region's naval forces to jointly "confront activities that put stability at risk, like narco-terrorism." The George Washington arrived in Chile on Friday when it participated in training exercises with Chilean Navy vessels in the Straight of Magellan off Punta Arenas. After leaving Valparaíso on May 18, the aircraft carrier and its combat ships will travel to San Diego, California before setting off for Japan. The Santiago Times