The following was released by U.S. Southern Command on August 1 about relief provided by CIVMARS from the USNS Saturn.Navy Supply Ship Aids Community in Guatemala
MUNICIPIO DE ZTAPA, Guatemala -- Crewmembers of Military Sealift Command combat stores ship USNS Saturn participated in a Community Relations project in Municipio de Ztapa, Guatemala, July 23.
Nineteen sailors and civil service mariners from Saturn took a day during the ship's in-port maintenance period to deliver Project Handclasp medical supplies and hygiene products to the Centro de Salud Clinic. Additionally, they delivered toys and first aid kits to the Escuela oficial Urbana Mixta Tipo Minimo and Escuela oficial Urbana Mixta Puerta de Heirro elementary schools.
Project Handclasp is a collection of donated humanitarian, educational and goodwill items the Navy delivers to people in need around the world.
Although consisting of only two doctors and 18 staff members, the Centro de Salud Clinic provides care for many local pediatric, adult, and elderly residents who suffer from pneumonia, respiratory infections, and various skin infections.
"Any little bit helps," said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class (Surface Warfare/ Aviation Warfare) Raven Williams. "This event was certainly worthwhile."
The sailors were also happy to bring toys and first aid kits to the two local schools.
"I had a wonderful time and the response we received from the children and adults was priceless" said Operations Specialist Seaman Kiara Wilson.
The Project Handclasp items brought smiles to the faces of children at the two schools, where over 600 students attend the Escuela Oficial Urbana Mixta Tipo Minimo elementary school, and over 400 children attend the Escuela Oficial Rural Mixta Puerta de Heirro elementary school.
"There is nothing more beautiful to see than children happy and smiling," said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class (Surface Warfare) Alfredo Felizola.
Saturn is currently deployed to Latin America and the Caribbean providing logistical support to counter illicit-trafficking missions in the U.S. Southern Command area of focus.
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