PUERTO LIMON, Costa Rica (NNS) -- Approximately 400 Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious ship USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) participated in community relations projects Aug. 21-29 as part of Continuing Promise 2010 (CP10) in Puerto Limon and Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica.
Iwo Jima, with embarked command element, Amphibious Squadron 6, and supporting elements, deployed to U.S. Southern Command's Area of Responsibility in July 2010.
CP10's mission is to conduct human civil assistance, medical, dental, veterinary and engineering support and disaster response to partner nations and show U.S. support and commitment to Central and South America.
Sailors cleaned rusty metal bars and applied a fresh coat of paint at the Westphalia School in Puerto Limon.
"I wanted to do find out what Continuing Promise is all about," said Aviation Boatswains Mate (Fuel) 3rd Class Thomas Spegal.
Sailors also installed new playground equipment at the Westphalia School.
"It was great to get out from behind the computer and help these kids out even if it is just for one day," said Intelligence Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas McDaniel, from Office of Naval Intelligence Fleet Intelligence Detachment.
Marines assisted non-governmental organization (NGO) volunteers from Project Handclasp to deliver 336 backpacks and 60 stuffed animals to the elementary school students of Hone Creek School.
"I just wanted to help out," said Marine Corps Cpl. Bryan Smith, Special Marine, Air, Ground Task Force, embarked on board Iwo Jima for CP10. "That's why I joined the Marines."
While the Marines distributed items to students, Sailors painted the school building and helped to build a volleyball court.
The CP10 team of Sailors, Marines, Soldiers and Airmen, along with doctors, nurses and NGO volunteers, concluded the 10-day portion of CP10 in Costa Rica on Aug. 29 with a Friendship Ceremony at the Westphalia School.
The CP10 team participated in a local civic parade, Dias del Negro, Aug. 31.
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