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APS Nashville, Project Handclasp Deliver Goods in Limbe

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090406-03
Release Date: 4/6/2009 1:05:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class David Holmes, Africa Partnership Station Nashville Public Affairs

LIMBE, Cameroon (NNS) -- Africa Partnership Station (APS) Nashville Sailors and Marines donated 24 pallets of humanitarian supplies to four local organizations during their visit to Limbe, Cameroon April 3.

USS Nashville is conducting a two-week port visit in Limbe, Cameroon, as part of the APS mission. While here, the main focus of the visit will be to conduct workshops and seminars designed to enhance maritime safety and security, although the ship will also provide humanitarian assistance.

The humanitarian supplies were delivered to Save the Children Alliance Orphanage, Ecole Matronelle Children's School, Limbe Regional Hospital and the Open Door Clinic, all located in the greater Limbe area. Items donated included school books, mattresses, medical and hygiene supplies, stuffed animals and toys.

According to Equipment Operator 1st Class Chris Wyeth, an APS Nashville civil affairs team member, knowing that he's making a difference makes the effort worthwhile.

"The personnel at the hospital we visited today don't normally get the supplies they need to do their work," said Wyeth. "It is good that we can provide assistance not only in enhancing their maritime safety and security but by also being able to give something back personally.

"APS gives all of us an opportunity to give our partners what they need to get the job done. It is a wonderful feeling."

Project Handclasp was established in 1962 and is part of the U.S. Navy's overseas people-to-people program. The program coordinates the donation of the humanitarian, educational and goodwill supplies by corporations, charitable and public service organizations and private citizens throughout the United States.

The transportation and delivery of these supplies to foreign countries is facilitated through U.S service members on ships like Nashville. Through interactions with U.S. embassy country teams, host nation civil and military officials and non-governmental organizations APS responded to direct requests for needed materials.

A number of locals said they were thankful for the Handclasp donations.

"I know APS and Project Handclasp have brought something important for the children," said Josephine Ngalie Nalova, founder and director of the Save the Children Alliance Orphanage. "It will help them go a long way.

"I just want to thank the Sailors and Marines with all my heart for thinking of these little ones here. From now on, they are our partners."

Nalova founded her orphanage in 2000 and currently takes care of 23 children with the help of staff members and volunteers.

APS is a multinational initiative under the auspices of Naval Forces Europe and Africa which is designed to work cooperatively with United States, European and African partners to enhance maritime safety and security on the African continent. APS provides a unique venue to align maritime engagements by employing a diverse team of maritime professionals in a variety of military capacities and civilian fields such as fisheries management, port security and meteorology. Nashville's APS mission is concentrated on collaborative efforts in West and Central Africa.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe -U.S. Naval Forces Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet, visit www.navy.mil/local/naveur/.