Costa Rica Embraces Continuing Promise 2010 at Opening Ceremony

By Cpl. Alicia R. Giron, Continuing Promise 2010 Public Affairs

LIMON, Costa Rica (NNS) -- Costa Rican officials and service members from USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) participated in an Aug. 21 ceremony in Limon, Costa Rica, which marked the beginning of a ten-day humanitarian civic assistance (HCA) mission in support of Continuing Promise 2010 (CP 10)–Partnership of the Americas.

Ceremony attendees included U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica Anne Andrew, the Mayor of Limon, Eduardo Barboza, CP 10 mission commander Capt. Thomas Negus, USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) Commanding Officer Capt. Thomas Chassee and Joint Medical Group Commander Capt. William Tanner.

The New Harmony Air Force Band of Flight played the Costa Rican and U.S. national anthems before key leaders addressed the local community.

"I cannot tell you how excited we are to visit Costa Rica and work with you all in this humanitarian mission," Negus said. "CP 10 is a commitment to that is as strong as the magnificent ship that brought us here. Our feelings of commitment and partnership are so strong that we use no words - instead we use our actions. Our work is given meaning by our shared neighborhood."

CP 10 mission personnel will spend their time in Limon working at three different medical sites, two engineering and community relations sites, providing veterinary services and training with the Costa Rican Police Force.

As part of the CP 10 mission, U.S. and foreign service members and non-government organizations will provide medical, dental, veterinary and engineering services to host nations within the Caribbean and Central and South America.

"I am delighted that Iwo Jima will be with us for ten days and I know you will extend a warm welcome to them, as you have to me," Andrew said. "I feel very lucky that many of the people I have met within the last week are here with us today to receive the commodore and crew of USS Iwo Jima."

During the opening ceremony, both Andrew and Negus received keys to the city of Limon. Andrew said it was a great honor for the people of Limon to bestow such a gesture to her and the entire Iwo Jima team.