Africa Partnership Station and Project Handclasp Donate Medical Supplies in Cameroon

Courtesy Photo | Lt. J.G. Mamadou Ndaw, assigned to Africa Partnership Station, loads medical supplies donated by Project Handclasp onto a Cameroon Navy supply truck for transport to Limbe Naval Base. Delivery and transportation of the materials donated was made possible through the efforts of APS. Part of the U.S. Navy?s Global Fleet Station, APS provides a platform with the capacity and persistent presence to support sustained, focused training and collaboration on a regional scale to maritime partners in West and Central Africa. Commander Task Force 365 and training teams from various U.S. and European military commands, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations are at Fort McHenry to enhance cooperative partnerships. (U.S. Navy photo/Petty Officer 1st Class Brian A. Goyak)  

02.28.2008

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. Sixth Fleet

By Petty Officer 1st Class(AW) Brian A. Goyak,
Africa Partnership Station Public Affairs

LIMBE, Cameroon – Partnered with Project Handclasp, Africa Partnership Station along with the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) delivered three pallets of medical supplies to the Cameroon Naval medical clinics, Feb. 28.

Materials for humanitarian, education and goodwill purposes are collected by Project Handclasp and prepared for transport on naval vessels to be distributed by Sailors and Marines to needy people overseas. The goods are donated by American citizens and include items meant to supplement basic needs, educational materials, and even toys for children.

"In response to requests, we've delivered medical and hygiene supplies for three different Cameroon Naval medical clinics," said Cmdr. Daniel Shaw, Commanding Officer of USS Fort McHenry. "This is just a classic example of how we can build a great foundation for cross-cultural exchanges and international cooperation."

In Limbe, the crew of Fort McHenry worked hand-in-hand with their Cameroonian counterparts to transport the needed supplies from the ship to shore where a truck waited to further distribute them to medical clinics at Navy bases in Limbe, Douala, and Kribe.

"The importance of Project Handclasp is that it helps build trust. With trust we build lasting relationships," added Shaw. "Through persistent presence and on the deck contributions like these, my Sailors are getting to meet people they'll likely see years from now and have a lasting relationship with."

Through further cooperation with the Cameroon Navy and the U.S. Embassy, Project Handclasp hopes to continue delivering materials and supplies to the communities surrounding Limbe and Douala.

"These important materials received from Project Handclasp, through the U.S. Navy, will help us greatly," said Capt. Roger Temche, Commander, Limbe Naval Base. "We don't always have the medical supplies necessary to care for families. We thank the U.S. Navy for the materials that have been provided to us."

Delivery and transportation was made possible through the efforts of Africa Partnership Station. Part of the U.S. Navy's Global Fleet Station, APS provides a platform with the capacity and persistent presence to support sustained, focused training and collaboration on a regional scale to maritime partners in West and Central Africa. Commander Task Force 365 and training teams from various U.S. and European military commands, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations are embarked on board Fort McHenry to enhance cooperative partnerships.

• Date Taken: 02.28.2008
• Date Posted: 03.01.2008 11:39
• Story ID: 16875