By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class J.T. The guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) and the frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59), assets assigned to Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 40, transited the Panama Canal July 9-11 en route Mayport, Fla. The transit from the Pacific to Atlantic Ocean via the was the final evolution of the first half of Partnership of the Americas 2008 (POA 08), an operation sponsored by U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM). The exercise strengthens regional partnerships and improves multinational interoperability, while enhancing the operational readiness of all units assigned to participate. This was the first transit for Farragut and a major evolution of her maiden deployment. Capt.