Wasp Task Group delivers Project Handclasp, Rotary Club donations to Jamaica

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Amie Gonzales | Pallets from Project Handclasp and from the Rotary Club of Cape Coral Goldcoast are...... read more read more

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Amie Gonzales | Pallets from Project Handclasp and from the Rotary Club of Cape Coral Goldcoast are unloaded from LCU-1653 by Beach Master Unit Two, attached to USS Wasp, at Reynolds Pier in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Wasp is currently deployed on Southern Partnership Station-Amphib with Destroyer Squadron 40 and embarked Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Southern Partnership Station is part of the Partnership of the Americas Maritime Strategy that focuses on building interoperability and cooperation in the region to meet common challenges.  see less | View Image Page

ABOARD USS WASP, AT SEA

11.19.2009

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class Amie Gonzales 

USS WASP (LHD 1)   

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USS WASP, Caribbean Sea — Task Group 40.7 turned over more than 40 Project Handclasp pallets along with books and computers from the Rotary Club of Cape Coral Goldcoast, Fla., to the Rotary Club of Mandeville, Jamaica, during a ceremony, Nov. 19, on Reynolds Pier in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

The donations were in support of Southern Partnership Station-Amphib 2009, which is part of the Partnership of the Americas Maritime Strategy that focuses on building interoperability and cooperation in the Caribbean region.

"We have a long standing relationship with the Rotary Club of Cape Coral Gold Coast, Florida and they have been providing us with a lot of supplies, but this is the first time we are having it brought to us by a U.S. Navy ship," said Patrick Adizua, M.D., Rotary Club of Mandeville vice president.

The Rotary Club of Mandeville received four pallets of medical and hygiene products, which they will deliver to a local hospital in Mandeville. They were also given six pallets of books and computers to be distributed to a local school.

"I thought the ceremony and events this morning went very well," said Navy Capt. Rudy Laco, Commander Task Group 40.7. "There has been a lot of hard work between the Destroyer Squadron 40 staff, Wasp crew, and Security Cooperation Marine Air-Ground Task Force to put this together as well as the other embarked units like Beach Master Unit Two and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28."

For one Wasp Sailor this event was more than providing humanitarian assistance to a partner nation — she was able to help the people of her home town. Airman Nasstacia Daley, aviation ordnanceman, of Wasp's Weapons Department, participated in the turnover ceremony to the Rotary Club of Mandeville, which is located in her home town of Manchester, Jamaica.

"I think it's really great to be able to come back and help out the people since I am from the area. I think it's important to foster a friendship and show the Navy's commitment to being a good partner," said Daley. "I feel a sense of pride and achievement when I come home to Jamaica because they can see that I've made it and they see my accomplishments."

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command is coordinating both military-to-military engagements and provide access with non-governmental organizations to provide resources to conduct outreach to the population, Laco explained.

"Donations are very helpful in our effort for community outreach. The CNO's Project Handclasp program helps organizations transport the donations to partner nations to aide in our mission to build relationships. In our operations today, we thank Hugs Across America for the teddy bears and backpacks for children; and the Rotary Club of Cape Coral for the donation of books and computers. "

Laco said the day was more than assisting a partner nation and helping a community, it held a special meaning that tied to his past as a Rotarian volunteer at the Rotary club of Tyler, Texas.
"It was especially a great day because it showed community service is global. I was proud to represent the Navy in extending the outreach of the United States to the local community that participated [in Jamaica]," said Laco. "There was a common bond that we had, and it was good for me to meet the Rotarians and provide the donations on behalf of the Rotary Club of Cape Coral Goldcoast, Florida."

Wasp is conducting several Project Handclasp events while in Jamaica. Along with the donated goods, Wasp is also participating in various community relations events, and military-to-military training aimed at strengthening partnerships and improving regional security.

Wasp is currently deployed on SPS-Amphib with Mayport-based Destroyer Squadron 40 and embarked SCMAGTF.