Project Handclasp Humanitarian Efforts Recognized

From Project Handclasp Public Affairs

April 30, 2010 - SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- Project Handclasp's senior logistics planners in San Diego were visited by the wife of the deputy defense secretary to recognize the Haiti humanitarian efforts of San Diego Sailors April 26.

Mary Murphy, the wife of the Honorable William J. Lynn, received a tour of the Project Handclasp Global Logistics Center warehouse where pallets are created, filled with relief supplies targeted to those in dire need.

Murphy toured the warehouse to gain a better understanding of Project Handclasp's mission and how it supports mission commanders.

The January earthquake in Haiti left thousands of Haitian citizens in need of subsistence level support ranging from food and water to medical supplies and basic toiletries. Project Handclasp ensured tons of material and supplies was shipped to Haiti at the earliest opportunity, through both air and sealift operations.

Project Handclasp collects goodwill materials donated by America's private sector at no-cost for distribution by Sailors and Marines, allowing them to serve as ambassadors of goodwill on behalf of Americans.

To date, Project Handclasp has delivered more than 2.5 million high-nutrition meals, 15,000 pots and pans, 405 water filter capability packages, medical, hygiene, and other personal care items, and they are not done yet.

"We are anticipating having to provide more and more products as time goes by," said Paul Brown, director of Project Handclasp.

As part of Southern Partnership Station 2010, Project Handclasp will deliver one million high-nutrition meals and approximately 600 water filters.

In addition to Haiti relief efforts, Project Handclasp has coordinated with Pacific Partnership via the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), scheduled to depart in May to work with Africa Partnership Station 2010 via USS Gunston Hall (LSD 44).

"There are so many needs in the world and the Navy has unique access, manpower and ability to make a difference," Brown said. "The Navy motto is 'A Global Force for Good' and that's what we try to exemplify here."

For more information about Project Handclasp or to inquire about donating to the program, call the Project Handclasp office at (619) 532-1492.