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CP10 Provides Assistance in Panama

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS101013-28
10/13/2010

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Morgan E. Dial USS Iwo Jima Public Affairs

CHIRIQUI GRANDE, Panama (NNS) -- The collaborative effort of service members assigned to multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and civilian volunteers led to the successful completion of the Panama phase of Continuing Promise 2010 (CP10), Oct. 7.

Teams wrapped up after ten days of providing Panamanians with engineering services, veterinary services, dental care, pediatric care, and other specialized medical attention.

Teams organized three medical sites in the Chiriqui Grande area, where medical personnel treated more than 6,800 Panamanians. Doctors also performed hernia repairs, lipoma removals, scar revisions, and conducted 49 surgeries on board Iwo Jima.

Members of the Panama Peace Corps also contributed to the humanitarian assistance mission by translating concerns between patients and doctors. In addition, Peace Corps members assisted with signing in patients and performing initial exams.

Civilian volunteers and Army veterinarians treated local live stock and pets. Approximately 6,432 animals were vaccinated for common diseases such as rabies and worms.

Navy Seabees and Marines established two engineering sites in the town of Silico Creek. They successfully installed two septic tank systems at the engineering sites. In addition, they installed a drainage system, flag poles, and built a perimeter fence around an elementary school.

Sailors and Marines also helped out in various community relations projects. They painted Santa Marta Elementary School and Chiriqui Grande city park and assisted engineering teams in the construction of two playgrounds.

"The children were all so excited to see us," said Damage Controlman Fireman Kimber Allocco. "It was extremely rewarding going out in Panama."

The Panama President Ricardo Martinelli, visited some of the CP10 sites to personally see the efforts of the CP10 team. He also toured Iwo Jima, where he was joined by Panama Vice President Juan Carlos Varela, and the U.S. Ambassador to Panama, Phyllis M. Powers.

The Iwo Jima will be making two her final stops for CP10 in Guyana and Suriname before heading back to her homeport in Norfolk, Va. next month.