11/11/2009
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cynthia Griggs, USS Blue Ridge Public Affairs
DA NANG, Vietnam (NNS) -- USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19) and embarked 7th Fleet Sailors delivered medical and hygiene supplies, sewing materials, school supplies and toys to residents in Da Nang, Vietnam, as part of Project Handclasp Nov. 7 during a scheduled port visit.
Project Handclasp is a Navy program started in 1962 to collect and distribute donated humanitarian, educational and goodwill materials using empty cargo space on Navy ships to help less fortunate people.
Blue Ridge recently departed Singapore, a port established by Commander, Logistics Group, Western Pacific as the collection point for Project Handclasp materials, where more than 20 pallets of supplies were brought on board for delivery to Da Nang.
"Blue Ridge has been involved in Project Handclasp from the beginning," said Chaplain Steven Benefield, Blue Ridge's coordinator for the project. "Whenever we make a port visit to Singapore, it's beneficial to take advantage of the opportunity."
Benefield said delivering the Project Handclasp materials comes at a crucial time for the people of Da Nang.
"Typhoon Ketsana recently struck Da Nang," he said. "Many homes, businesses, roadways, and schools were badly damaged, and I think the people of Da Nang could really use our help."
The estimated value of the Project Handclasp supplies delivered by Blue Ridge is nearly $73,000. Project Handclasp relies on individuals, service organizations and industries for donations of humanitarian materials.
During its historic visit to Vietnam, Blue Ridge and 7th Fleet Sailors will also participate in community outreach projects at schools badly damaged from the typhoon.
Blue Ridge serves under Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy's only forward deployed amphibious force. Blue Ridge is the flagship for Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.
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