On October 27, 2025, thirty-five students and fifteen teachers from Lochmaben Roman Catholic School in Cedros visited the USS Gravely (DDG-107) at the Port of Spain. The visit was organized after recent infrastructure improvements and donations to the school by United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). The group received a guided tour from the ship’s crew.
The USS Gravely is docked in Port of Spain as part of ongoing cooperation between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago. The ship’s presence supports joint training activities between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force aimed at enhancing regional security.
USSOUTHCOM has established ties with Lochmaben Roman Catholic School through several initiatives. In August 2025, Navy Seabees completed structural repairs to the school building, as well as upgrades to water, sewage, and electrical systems during Operation Continuing Promise. In September, additional support came in the form of educational materials donated via the U.S. Embassy, including computers, a printer, office furniture, and other resources.
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz commented on the visit: “The opportunity for these children and their teachers to get a personal guided tour of the USS Gravely exemplifies the deep ties between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago. It was an absolute pleasure to meet the kids and their teachers on board—they asked great questions and their presence on board was a delight for our sailors. The visit was another example of how our U.S. military partners with Trinidad and Tobago military and civilian institutions alike to strengthen communities and build resilience.”
Beverley Findley, Principal 1 Primary of Lochmaben Roman Catholic School, expressed gratitude for the support provided: “remarkable educational opportunities, vital assistance, learning materials, equipment, and technological resources.” She described the tour as a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” that broadened students’ horizons.
The USS Gravely’s stop in Port of Spain follows other USSOUTHCOM activities in Trinidad and Tobago this year, such as USNS Comfort’s medical mission in August and participation in Tradewinds exercises alongside local defense forces earlier in 2025.