Project Handclasp and Emory S. Land Bring Aid to Aetas

NEW CABALAN, Republic of the Philippines (NNS) -- Sailors from submarine tender USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) delivered humanitarian supplies as part of Project Handclasp to New Cabalan, Republic of the Philippines while on deployment within the 7th Fleet Area of Operations, Dec. 17.

Project Handclasp is a worldwide outreach program that accepts and transports educational, humanitarian, and goodwill materials donated by America's private sector on a space-available basis aboard Navy ships for distribution to foreign nation recipients.

"Coordinating community service events plays a huge role within the religious ministries department onboard the ship," said Lt. Aaron Roberton, Land's command chaplain. "By adding the tangible goodwill that Project Handclasp has to offer, we are essentially reaching out and fostering a more meaningful relationship with the community."

Service members were greeted by more than 250 women, men, and children who had traveled from neighboring Aeta as they arrived at a complex in downtown New Cabalan.

"Today, we have the opportunity to make an impact on dozens of kids and their families" said Chief Religious Programs Specialist Nino Miranda, an event coordinator assigned to Land. "Having the opportunity to deliver these goodwill supplies is a testament to the positive relationship the U.S. Navy has with Aeta and New Cabalan."

The delivered aid in the Project Handclasp shipment ranged from vital hygienic supplies for adolescents such as baby wipes, lotions, soap, and dental floss to toys for young children like soccer balls and Frisbees. "I'm on an extended deployment and my kids are at home in the states so helping out the children is definitely a morale booster for me" said Legalman 1st Class Samantha Williams, a volunteer participant assigned to Land, "I'm glad to be part of this experience, definitely, I know the children will enjoy the toys we brought as well, just in time for the holidays."

The event is part of an ongoing series of projects sponsored by the Olongapo City Council to engage Land and the local community, as well as an effort by the mayor of Olongapo to care for the smaller neighboring villages.

"When we initially set up this COMSERV (community service) and brought it to the mayor's attention, he immediately suggested that we take the supply shipment to the people of Aeta" said Roberton,. "Due to the villages remote location, we've arranged to meet with them here among the people of New Cabalan with members of their Tribal Council."

During the COMSERV there were presentations and Sailors were treated to a cultural dance ensemble held by the local community. "Giving the people of Aeta recognition was really uplifting for the villagers," said Norman Tuzon, a city hall COMSERV liaison. "This was an opportunity for the people of Aeta to showcase their traditional dances in front of their neighbors and highlight their culture in front of the tribal council and U.S. Navy personnel."

After the demonstrations Sailors had the chance to interact with the children and play games. One such game was 'Simon Says," a verbal and instructive game that proved to be a learning experience for those involved.

"We tried to play 'Simon Says' with the kids, and initially it wasn't as well-received," said Ships Serviceman 2nd Class James Youmes, also assigned to Land. " Kids being kids, we manage to have fun with it, and we taught them a new game that they can play amongst themselves."

The event concluded with an opportunity for Sailors to share smiles with the children, families, and those involved by participating in group photos before saying bye to their new friends.

"The feeling that you get when you're involved in delivering things to children in need is touching," said Logistics Specialists Seaman Edward Stovall, also assigned to Land. "Especially around this time of year, it feels good to give and to help out, this is why I keep volunteering."

Land is undergoing a voyage repair period in Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines. Homeported in Diego Garcia, Land is a forward deployed expeditionary submarine tender on an extended deployment conducting coordinated tending moorings and afloat maintenance in the U.S. 7th Fleet Area of Operations.