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By Petty Officer 3rd Class David Smart
OCHO RIOS, Jamaica — Security Cooperation Marine Air Ground Task Force Marines embarked on the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Wasp played a friendly game of soccer with the Jamaican radio station, Irie FM, Nov. 19, helping to foster a burgeoning relationship with the country.
Earlier in the day, Wasp sailors and marines delivered more than 40 pallets of hygiene, medical and medicinal supplies, as well as school supplies and teddy bears through several Project Handclasp and Hugs Across America events while in Jamaica. Wasp sailors and marines also participated in various community relations events, and military-to-military training aimed at strengthening partnerships and improving regional security during the ship's two-day stay anchored off the coast of the island.
The Marines were originally scheduled to play a soccer match with the Jamaican Defense force but was cancelled due to a scheduling conflict. A local radio station, Irie FM, volunteered to play the Wasp Marines.
"The U.S. Embassy gave us a call and asked if we would play," said Nicholas Evans, sports reporter and producer for Irie FM. "We gladly accepted."
The first half of the game was close for both sides and by the beginning of halftime Irie FM was up 1-0.
"It was tough," said Cpl. Alan Brandli, embarked SCMAGTF member. "They had a lot of talent and you could tell that they had been playing together for awhile."
Not only were the Marines and Irie FM getting into the game, the crowd of over 100 spectators enjoyed the match as well.
"It was a great experience," said 2nd Lt. Matthew Porter, SCMAGTF communications officer. "The size and atmosphere of the crowd ... there was a lot of good-natured ribbing."
Irie FM ended up on top with a 3-0 victory, but the Marines didn't give the Jamaicans the win easily.
"It certainly wasn't a blowout," said Porter. "I think if we had cleats it would've been better, but we did great for never playing together. I think the Jamaicans were pretty surprised."
No matter the score, it was clear the Marines enjoyed the game and were more than ready to play again.
"It was a good experience," said Brandli. "I love soccer; I've played it my whole life. It was good camaraderie, they enjoyed having us out there and we enjoyed being there."
The Jamaicans also had a fun time interacting with the Marines
"We really enjoyed it; pure fun" said Evans. "It's good having you guys here and you could see the guys were really having fun. We would definitely play you guys again. Thank you for the nice day."
Wasp is currently deployed on Southern Partnership Station-Amphib 2009 with Destroyer Squadron 40 and embarked SCMAGTF. SPS is part of the Partnership of the Americas Maritime Strategy that focuses on building interoperability and cooperation in the region to meet common challenges.
| Date Taken: | 11.19.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 11.24.2009 02:34 |
| Story ID: | 41940 |
| Location: |
| Web Views: | 146 |
| Downloads: | 121 |
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