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Maritime Civil Affairs Team 103 Returns from Deployment

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090709-06
Release Date: 7/9/2009 4:08:00 PM

By Lt. Kate Raia, Navy Expeditionary Combat Command Public Affairs

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Maritime Civil Affairs Team (MCAT) 103 returned July 2 after a six-month deployment to the Republic of the Philippines in support of a humanitarian and civil assistance mission.

The team consisted of five members primarily involved with education civic action programs and medical civic action programs sponsored by the Joint Special Operations Task Force and the armed forces of the Philippines.

During the deployment, the Sailors assisted with a total of eight education civic action programs. The program is an educational seminar designed to provide teachers with new tools, skills and techniques for teaching their students.

"This was my favorite deployment," said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class Douglas Farmer. "I got to focus on the people, see the changes and see the people starting to take pride in their community."

In one particular seminar held in Buldone Mindanao, more than 100 teachers participated. Every teacher who attended received a certificate of completion.

"I got to work with a lot of great people and gain valuable leadership experience," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Wayne Partin.

Working together with organizations such as the American Red Cross and various non-governmental organizations, MCAT 103 also improved roads, buildings, public restrooms and re-opening schools that had previously burned down.

"This was a joint mission; we were at the tip of spear leading the way," said Lt. Joe Wurtz, MCAT 103 team leader.

MCAT 103 was the third team to deploy to the Republic of the Philippines.

Maritime civil affairs teams work directly with civil authorities and civilian populations around the world and are involved in a variety of missions from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to regional engagement activities.

MCAT 110 relieved MCAT 103.

For more news from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Group 1, visit www.navy.mil/local/eod1/.