Bonhomme Richard Sailors deliver medical supplies, clothes to Kenya - Around the Fleet - Brief Article

More than 6o Sailors from the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) Amphibious Ready Group recently participated in Project Handclasp by delivering medical supplies, sewing machines, clothes and toys to the people of a small town on the coast of Kenya in mid-February.

"The people of Lamu Town were absolutely overwhelmed and joyful," said LT Darrell Hood, Bonhomme Richard's community relations coordinator. Sailors from USS Bonhomme Richard and USS Pearl Harbor (LSD 52) turned over nearly 6,000 pounds of supplies as part of Project Handclasp.

Project Handclasp was created in 1959 to give U.S. citizens a chance to reach out to other nations and deliver supplies through the Navy. Today, it is the Navy's premier people-to-people program designed to help improve quality of life and foster better relations between project recipients and the United States.

In addition to delivering needed supplies to the people of Lamu, Sailors were able to meet them and learn a little about their daily life and culture.

"The best part of the day was seeing all the smiling faces," said Hull Maintenance Technician 1st Class (SW/AW) Keith Conner. He added that all the people from town greeted the Sailors with "Jambo," meaning "Hello" in their native language.

For most of the Sailors, this was their first visit to Africa.

"I have flown in helicopters, rode in LCACs and watched Harriers take off during this float," said LT Christopher Geis, staff judge advocate for Amphibious Squadron 3 embarked on Bonhomme Richard. "But going ashore and into the village to deliver items to people has been the highlight of my deployment."

More than half of the items delivered went to the towns hospital.

"The hospital and surrounding areas were well maintained," said Chief Hospital Corpsman Reynaldo Vinzon, from Bonhomme Richard's medical department. "But it was in need of supplies -- especially the medicines we donated."

The remaining supplies were distributed to the town's people.

"I think the medical supplies will help out at the hospital, and the toys will definitely make people happy," said Airman Leann Menteer, from Bonhomme Richard's air department. "I had always wanted to go to Africa. Just seeing the people happy and seeing that we made a difference -- it made me feel good," said Menteer.

For more information about USS Bonhomme Richard, go to www.lhd6.navy.mil.