• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Swift Crew Delivers Handclasp Aid to Nicaraguan Hospital

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100615-15
6/15/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kim Williams, High Speed Vessel Swift 2 Public Affairs

CORINTO, Nicaragua (NNS) -- The crew aboard High Speed Vessel Swift 2 delivered humanitarian supplies to Alcaldia Municipal de Corinto in Corinto, Nicaragua, June 8.

Project Handclasp, the Navy's public-private outreach program, supplied the goods for distribution. The organization accepts and transports educational, humanitarian and goodwill material overseas on a space-available basis in U.S. Navy ships.

Capt. Kurt Hedberg, Southern Partnership Station (SPS) 2010 mission commander, said the crew's hard work and dedication to the SPS mission was evident during their efforts at the community relations event.

"We use these community relations projects as a means to build relationships and provide a positive impact on the local community," said Hedberg. "These Sailors have volunteered to come to the hospital and drop off the Handclasp aid because they felt compelled to give something back to those less fortunate than themselves. The time they spent today passing out stuffed animals and visiting with the patients was invaluable and something that everyone involved will always remember."

During SPS 2010, Swift has delivered Project Handclasp donations to four countries including Haiti, Jamaica, Panama and Nicaragua. Because of the donations of many, many people in critical need now have access to water filters, medical supplies, hygiene products and basic living supplies.

U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) aims to demonstrate its commitment to a lasting partnership with the people of Nicaragua and all countries participating in SPS 2010 through subject matter expert exchanges and community relations efforts.

SPS 2010 is a deployment of various specialty platforms to the USSOUTHCOM Area of Responsibility in the Caribbean and Latin America. The mission's primary goal is information sharing with navies, coast guards, and civilian services throughout the regions.