Caption: Students and teachers of the Lochmaben Roman Catholic School in Cedros tour the USS Gravely (DDG-107) at the Port of Port of Spain on October 27, 2025. Photo: US Embassy in Port of Spain
By Prior Beharry
A group of 35 students and 15 teachers from Lochmaben Roman Catholic School in Cedros toured the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Gravely (DDG-107) on October 27, marking a rare, hands-on glimpse into U.S. Navy operations as part of ongoing regional partnership efforts.
The exclusive ship tour, hosted by Gravely’s sailors and leadership, followed recent infrastructure upgrades and donations to the school funded by United States Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM). The upgrades, completed in August 2025 during Operation Continuing Promise and the USNS Comfort visit to Trinidad and Tobago, included structural repairs and improvements to water, sewage, and electrical systems, carried out by Navy Seabees (U.S. Naval Construction Battalion Sailors).
In September, USSOUTHCOM, via the U.S. Embassy, donated educational materials and equipment to Lochmaben School, including 13 computers, one printer, office furniture, and other resources designed to enhance learning opportunities.
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Dr. Jenifer Neidhart de Ortiz said the guided tour underscored the strong ties between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago. “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,” she said. “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.”
Lochmaben Principal Beverley Findley expressed gratitude for the U.S. Embassy’s support, describing the donations and upgrades as “remarkable educational opportunities, vital assistance, learning materials, equipment, and technological resources.” She called the Gravely tour a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for the students, saying it broadened their horizons and left lasting memories.
Gravely’s port call aligns with a broader history of collaboration between the United States and Trinidad and Tobago. USS Gravely’s visit follows other USSOUTHCOM activities in 2025, including the USNS Comfort’s medical and humanitarian mission in August and the Tradewinds exercise co-hosted with the Trinidad and Tobago Defense Force (TTDF) in April and May.
