Swift Delivers More Humanitarian Aid to Haiti

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Kim Williams, High Speed Vessel Swift Public Affairs

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (NNS) -- High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV) 2 delivered 237 pallets of humanitarian relief supplies from Project Handclasp to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sept. 27.

Project Handclasp is a one-of-a-kind public-private, relief organization that distributes humanitarian, educational and goodwill materials donated by America's private sector at no-cost for distribution to those in need.

This is the second time in five months the ship has delivered supplies to the earthquake-ravished city. The contents of this subsequent delivery include water filters, wheelchairs, medical supplies and food.

"The groups being helped out here today are mostly feeding centers and schools who mainly feed children and mothers," said Leslie McAuley, Grassroots United representative. "In Haiti there is a severe shortage of food, so just feeding people is very important. This shipment of food and supplies will do that and more."

McAuley said the Project Handclasp drop off is pivotal for the people of Haiti who still face a long recovery from January's natural disaster.

"After the earthquake, there were a lot of residents who became amputees and double amputees, so the medical aid and wheelchairs being delivered today will help them to not be completely immobilized," said McAuley.

Swift loaded 23 pallets of water purifiers and relief supplies from Pure Water for the World, Inc. May 8, for distribution to the people in and around the capital city of Port-au-Prince. During the latest drop off, the crew worked non-stop offloading the supplies for transfer.

"It feels good to do my part in helping the people of Haiti recover from the earthquake," said Seaman Robert Burgett from Killeen, Texas. "I know it's not going to solve all of their problems, but I hope it will bring some peace into their lives."

"It's important for us as Sailors and Americans who have so much to help those in need," said Gunner's mate 2nd Glass Marc Gomez from Dallas. "This aid will reach so many people who have gone a long time without, so I don't mind working in the heat into the night to ensure it gets to them as quickly as possible."

The Swift is currently deployed for Southern Partnership Station 2010, a deployment of various specialty platforms to the U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) area of responsibility (AOR) in the Caribbean and Central America. The mission's primary goal is information sharing with navies, coast guards, and civilian services throughout the region.