USS Jeneau Completes Humanitarian Projects In RP

OLONGAPO CITY - Sailors of USS Juneau (LPD 10) with embarked Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) departed here Monday after completing two projects and building strong relations with prominent community leaders and local citizens.

Led by Commander, Amphibious Force, 7th Fleet Rear Adm. Carol M. Pottenger, who made a visit to the area, the Navy and Marine Corps service members as they performed as community members focusing on the interpersonal relationships connecting with their Philippine counterparts.

This was emphasized by Pottenger’s call on Olongo City Mayor James Gordon, Jr. and subsequent reception as well as two separate community service projects in the area.

The projects included a medical civic action project (MEDCAP) in Olongopo City’s Baretto Barangay and then a number of material improvements, including installing a basketball hoop, at the Subic Freeport Welfare Reservation or also known as the Aeta Resettlement.

“This visit greatly enhanced the historic relationship between the United States and Republic of Philippines,” said Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group 7 Rear Adm. Carol M. Pottenger, the type commander for all amphibious assets, including Juneau in the 7th Fleet area of operation.

“By coming here, meeting each other face-to-face, we are able to make true friendships with those that have supported the U.S. Navy for so long. I know that the work done as part of the MEDCAP and in the Aeta Resttlement will be remember for many years to come.”

Juneau, commanded by Capt. John D. Alexander, is part of the Sasebo, Japan-based Essex Expeditionary Strike Group, which serves under Commander, Task Force 76. Task Force 76 is the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force and is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with an operating detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

600 US Troops On Goodwill Visit To RP

Photo of USS Juneau, an amphibious transport dock ship under Task Force 76, the US Navy’s only forwarded-deployed amphibious force and is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa.

MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / 22 Feb) – Some 600 US sailors and marine soldiers are to participate in a humanitarian mission in Zambales province as part of goodwill visit of the USS Juneau (LPD 10).

The ship, carrying members of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), will arrive Friday at the Subic Bay Free Port, said US military public affairs officer, Marine Capt. Burrell Parmer.

Juneau will be at full dress ship with sailors and marines manning the rails, he said.Palmer said the soldiers will participate in free medical and dental clinics to benefit the Filipinos.

“Community service projects will also be conducted during the visit to include the deliver of Project Handclasp materials and donated items from U.S Marine and Navy family members in Okinawa, Japan,” Palmer said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner.

The ship’s visit, Palmer said, is being made possible by the cooperation of the US Navy’s 7th Fleet and the American embassy in Manila.Palmer said local school children will be given a tour of the USS Juneau to include a static display of the equipment by the 31st MEU.

He said the USS Juneau is an amphibious transport dock ship under Task Force 76, the US Navy’s only forwarded-deployed amphibious force and is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility in Okinawa.

The 31st MEU serves under III Marine Expeditionary Force also in Okinawa and is the U.S. Marine Corps’s only permanent forward-deployment Marine expeditionary unit, Palmer said. (Mindanao Examiner)