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French Medics Commit to Continuing Promise

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081019-02
Release Date: 10/19/2008 10:59:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Ernest Scott, Continuing Promise 2008 Public Affairs

USS KEARSARGE (NNS) -- During outreach efforts to the Dominican Republic, France joined Continuing Promise (CP) 2008, the humanitarian/civic assistance mission to build strong ties to countries in the Caribbean, Oct. 3-16.

Currently embarked aboard USS Kearsarge (LHD 3) for the CP 2008 mission, French medical personnel have been eager to offer their assistance.

"We've participated in similar missions but nothing of this scale," said French Navy Cmdr. Bruno Rosier. "The amount of sick and injured people who are receiving care is amazing. They need our help, and together we are making sure they get it."

In the Dominican Republic alone, Kearsarge established four medical sites that provided basic medical care as well as dental and optometric aid to many rural areas.

"In some places, we provided care that the citizens otherwise would not have received," said Master Chief Virginia Coste, a nurse in the French Navy. "Whether they received medial treatment or just education, we made a difference, and they know they have our support.

"Each morning we arrive at the clinic and see the vast number of people waiting," said Coste. "The way they welcome us seems to break down all barriers between us. We have so many nations together under one roof, yet no one thinks of the diversity, just the mission."

The Continuing Promise mission has included medical personnel from Brazil, the Netherlands and Canada as well.

Kearsarge is supporting the Caribbean phase of CP, a joint effort among the United States, partner nations and non-governmental organizations to provide humanitarian assistance to South American countries.

Kearsarge is under the operational control of U.S. 4th Fleet. U.S. 4th Fleet's mission is to direct United States naval forces operating in the Caribbean and Central and South American regions and interact with partner nation navies to shape the maritime environment.

The Continuing Promise Caribbean Phase is the second of two HCA deployments to the Southern Command area of focus for 2008. The first CP deployment was conducted by USS Boxer (LHD 4) in the Pacific.

For more news from 4th Fleet, visit www.news.navy.mil/local/cusns/.