Narwhal continues north on its trip to Newport

Lt. John Kidwell

Editor’s Note: During a 35-day journey from New Orleans to Newport

Beach via the Panama Canal, Lt. John Kidwell, commander of the new Coast

Guard cutter Narwhal, has offered to keep the Newport-Mesa community

updated on the crew’s journey through a series of e-mail reports and

photos from a dozen ports of call. On Wednesday, the ship is scheduled to

makes its way to Newport Harbor. The following is his seventh report as

he takes our readers aboard the ship:

Well, our stay in beautiful Costa Rica quickly came to an end. At

approximately 0700 on Monday Aug. 13, we departed the port of Golfito,

Costa Rica, and headed north through the Pacific to Fonseca, El Salvador.

For the first time in our journey we are beginning to feel as if we

are almost home. Even though we still have not met our halfway mark,

sailing north with the land on our starboard side feels more familiar to

us and reminds us of home.

Furthermore, the crew was very much looking forward to seeing the

country we have learned so much about from our new friends, the crew of

the El Salvadoran PM-12. Arriving in the Gulf of Fonseca, El Salvador on

Aug. 14, we were greeted with overwhelming hospitality. For many months,

the Navy of El Salvador and the crew of the Narwhal have been planning

this event.

As we moored to the Navy, there were soldiers and sailors in

ceremonial formation to welcome us. The captain of the El Salvadoran

Naval Base, Commander Minez, personally welcomed us and encouraged us to

visit all of his country. Our stay was very well-organized and their

hospitality and generosity were overwhelming.

We were quickly taken to see the cities of La Union and San Miguel,

two of the largest cities in El Salvador. We were able to explore the

surrounding areas, local shops and restaurants. No matter where we

visited, there was always one constant: genuine hospitality.

On the evening of Aug. 16, we attended a formal reception where we

were greeted by the naval base’s executive officer, Capt. Castellanos,

and his entire officer corps. Also present was the mayor of La Union and

other city officials. This was a wonderful experience and a great

opportunity for everyone present to get to know each other and share

experiences.

During this reception, we found out that our friends, the crew of the

PM-12, unfortunately were still on their way home from California. We

did, however, learn their location and will plan to try and meet them

either in Guatemala or out at sea at a prearranged location. From the

beginning, we knew that our visit was going to be very important to both

the El Salvadoran Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard. What we didn’t realize

was the immense impact this trip would eventually leave on us.

For those who do not know, the El Salvadoran naval vessel PM-12 was

formerly known as the Point Stuart and stationed in Newport Beach. She

was decommissioned on April 26 of this year and given to the El

Salvadorans. That ceremony is the same ceremony in which I took over as

commanding officer of the Coast Guard cutter Narwhal. The Narwhal is the

new replacement for the Point Stuart, but the Point Stuart still lives on

as the new PM-12 and will serve the country of El Salvador just as she

did for the Newport Beach community. She could not have gone to a more

wonderful country or generous people. They will take great care of her.

***

This is our second day in La Union, El Salvador. It is located in the

gulf of Fonseca. There are three different countries that border this

gulf: El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. Our stay here has been very

exciting.

The Narwhal was greeted with military honors at the pier by the El

Salvadoran Coast Guard, Navy and Army. El Salvador is very glad to see us

and has exceeded all aspects of what a host country might do for a

visiting ship.

Last night, myself and the executive officer attended a birthday party

for a prominent family in La Union. There we met the mayor, many Navy,

Army and Coast Guard officers, along with more than 50 distinguished

guests. Unbelievable, to say the least.

Tonight, we have a farewell reception to attend at the Navy base where

the Commander of El Salvadoran Naval Forces will preside.

Although we will be stopping in Puerto Quetzal, Guatemala, on Aug. 18,

I will not be granting liberty for my crew there. The risks of violence

are far to great for my crew.

Again, this port of call for the cutter Narwhal will never be

forgotten. We have been treated with the highest regard by everyone from

the highest ranking military officers to the local people of this fine

town. Just as in Costa Rica, it will be hard to leave after meeting all

these great people and making such good friends.