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    USS Iwo Jima Returns from Continuing Promise Mission

    USS IWO JIMA, AT SEA

    11.18.2010

    Courtesy Story

    U.S. Marine Corps Forces, South

    NORFOLK, Va. - USS Iwo Jima, along with various embarked units, returned to Norfolk, Va., Nov. 18, concluding four months at sea in support of the Caribbean phase of the humanitarian/civic assistance and humanitarian assistance/disaster relief missions for Continuing Promise 2010 - Partnership of the Americas.

    The amphibious assault ship Iwo Jima's mission during CP10 was to conduct joint civil-military operations, HCA missions, and veterinary, medical, dental and civil engineering support to eight partner nations. Iwo Jima and its Sailors strengthened U.S. and 4th Fleet's commitment to the region by fostering partnerships, building relationships, and improving partner nation capabilities.

    "Continuing Promise 2010 was a spectacular success," said Capt. Thomas Negus, Continuing Promise 2010 mission commander. "The entire Continuing Promise team demonstrated through their incredible efforts everyday, the strong commitment the U.S. has for its neighbors in the region. Every person involved with this mission should be incredibly proud of their efforts and achievements over the past four months as they gave of themselves to provide aid and help to those in need. They are true heroes of compassion."

    During the deployment, the CP10 medical contingent of more than 500 joint military and international military medical professionals and non-governmental organizations (NGO's), worked alongside host nationals to treat more than 43,000 primary care patients, dispense more than 76,000 prescriptions, provide more than 26,000 veterinary services. In total there were more than 161,000 medical services provided including medical, dental and optometry.

    "The great strength of the medical mission was in the personal effort put forth by the team members," said Capt. William Tanner, Joint Medical Group commander. "Everyone on Continuing Promise 2010 was moved by the contact with the people of the countries we visited. They welcomed us into their villages, performed cultural dances, sang songs and shared their community spirit with us. We are blessed to have had this opportunity."

    Tanner also reflected on a particular experience that will always hold a special place in his heart.

    "My greatest memory will always be of the elderly Panamanian lady who was about to go into surgery, insisting on getting out of bed to meet with the president of Panama," he said. "She was glowing with joy at the wonder of the day. All of the patients were so thankful; it is difficult not to be moved by the experience."

    In addition to the basic medical care provided by the CP10 team, 321 patients were flown to Iwo Jima for shipboard surgeries, including cyst removal, hernia repair and eye surgery.

    "The crew handled the humanitarian assistance focus of Continuing Promise extremely well," said Capt. Thomas Chassee, Iwo Jima commanding officer. "Iwo was primarily responsible for getting the medical, construction engineers and other experts ashore via air and landing craft as well as providing key support. Additionally, selected crewmembers were able to participate in numerous community relations projects during all eight country visits. All in all everyone considers Continuing Promise 2010 a very rewarding and worthwhile mission."

    In all, the joint-military engineering teams and volunteers completed 26 projects including building playgrounds, fencing and refurbishing schools and hospitals. The Navy

    Seabees attached to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 7, Construction Battalion Mobile Unit (CBMU) 202 and many volunteers completed various construction and renovation projects in each of the eight countries. CP-10 also included participants from other nation's armed forces such as Canada, Dutch, French, Paraguayan, Netherlands, Colombia, Guatemala and Costa Rica.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 11.18.2010
    Date Posted: 11.18.2010 15:24
    Story ID: 60417
    Location: USS IWO JIMA, AT SEA

    Web Views: 182
    Downloads: 6

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