Cambodians Get Medical Aid, English Lessons from U.S. Military

USS Essex, Marine unit work with Sihanoukville-area communities

05 December 2007
By Peggy B. Hu
USINFO Staff Writer

Washington -- Providing medical and dental care, teaching English, fixing buildings and strengthening military ties between the United States and Cambodia were among the projects the USS Essex and a Marine expeditionary unit attached to the ship undertook during a recent port visit to Sihanoukville, Cambodia.

"Essex sailors are honored to have the opportunity to visit the Kingdom of Cambodia as part of the broadening and deepening relations between our navies and our two governments," Captain Brian T. Donegan, the Essex's commanding officer, said in a U.S. Navy press release.

During their weeklong visit November 26-December 1, U.S. military personnel worked with Cambodian teams to provide medical services -- including cataract surgery -- and dental care to communities in Cambodia's Kampong Cham and Preah Vihear provinces and to construct two bridges and a culvert to connect the villages of Sre Sa and Oloy in Kampong Chhnang province.

The Essex and the Marine unit also conducted military-to-military training; participated in a three-day cultural exchange program at the National Defense University in Phnom Penh; and performed community relations projects such as making basic repairs to buildings, providing basic English classes and distributing donated materials such as books and clothing through the U.S. Navy's Project Handclasp program.

On the lighter side, sailors and Marines played duck-duck-goose, hopscotch, marbles and soccer (football) games with children at local primary schools; participated in a soccer tournament and barbecue with Cambodian army cadets at Ream Naval Base in Sihanoukville; and attended the second annual Christmas lighting ceremony at the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh. The U.S. 7th Fleet band also performed with local musicians at an orphanage.

"Having Essex come here allowed us to give something to the Cambodian people," Lieutenant Commander Ronnie Mangsat of Amphibious Squadron 11 said in a release from the Essex's public affairs office. "Coming here shows them what we are capable of and that we are willing to take the time to help our new friends."

The Essex's visit was the second by a U.S. Navy ship to Cambodia in 2007; the USS Gary visited in February. The Sihanoukville port visit was part of the Essex's annual fall patrol to East and Southeast Asia, during which the crew and its Marine unit will conduct training events focusing on sea- and land-based capabilities and interact with local communities.

(USINFO is produced by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

Essex Sailors and Marines Build Friendships at Cambodian Schools

Sihanoukville, Kingdom of Cambodia (Nov. 29, 2007) - Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) Rosco Cohen, and assigned to Amphibious Squadron Eleven, plays soccer with the students from the Chamka Kaosu school during a community relations project, Nov. 29. Essex and the embarked 31st MEU arrived in Sihanoukville, Kingdom of Cambodia, Nov. 26, for a scheduled port visit that gives Sailors and Marines the opportunity to participate in friendship-building community relations events, medical and dental projects and professional exchanges. These friendship-building events are being conducted with the cooperation of the Cambodian military and the Kingdom of Cambodia. The visit also provides Sailors and Marines the opportunity to meet local citizens and experience the customs and traditions of the Cambodian people. Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan. (Photo by: Petty Officer 1st Class Jeffrey Ballge, Marine Forces Pacific)

Sihanoukville, Kingdom of Cambodia (Nov. 27, 2007) - Electronics Technician 3rd Class Rosemary Colbert and Lt. jg. Constancia Schlemmer draw pictures on the black board of the Hun Sen Krong primary school, during a community relations project Nov 27. Essex and the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) arrived in Sihanoukville, Kingdom of Cambodia, Nov 26, for a scheduled port visit that gives Sailors and Marines the opportunity to participate in friendship-building community relations events, medical and dental projects and professional exchanges. These friendship-building events are being conducted with the cooperation of the Cambodian military and the Kingdom of Cambodia. The visit also provides Sailors and Marines the opportunity to meet local citizens and experience the customs and traditions of the Cambodian people. Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for CTF 76, the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan. (Photo by: Petty Officer 2nd Class Drae Parker, Marine Forces Pacific)

US Marine Forces Pacific

SIHANOUKVILLE, Kingdom of Cambodia (Nov. 30, 2007) -- Nearly 300 Sailors and Marines assigned to the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit lent a helping hand to local schools Nov. 27 - 29 during a scheduled port visit to Sihanoukville, Kingdom of Cambodia.

Sailors and Marines visited the Hun Sen Krong Primary School, Hun Sen Mittapheap Primary School and Chamka Kaosu Primary School to help clean and paint the schoolhouses, as well as teach English, play games and interact with the students.

"Projects like these are so important because they produce long lasting benefits," said Capt. Brian T. Donegan, USS Essex commanding officer. "By enriching the lives of children and promoting their education we can provide a contribution to the people of Cambodia that literally lasts a generation."

The smiling faces and visible happiness of the children also provides the Sailors and Marines participating in these exchanges an experience they will remember forever.

“The children are such a joy”, said Electronics Technician 3rd Class Rosemary Colbert. “I had a blast teaching and playing with the children.”

Sailors, Marines and students played athletic games such as soccer, duck-duck goose, hop scotch, relay races and marbles throughout the day. “The children are pretty fast runners and I had a hard time keeping up with them,” said Rosemary.

It wasn’t all play and no work. The Sailors and Marines spent much of their time painting and improving the schools' appearance.

“I like being over here. It feels good to help out the school,” said Marine Corps Cpl. Brandon Turner. “I feel that this was really a rewarding experience and I am glad that I was able to participate.”

The visit also gave students an opportunity to interact with Americans and experience a foreign culture for themselves. Both children and Sailors were able to experience another culture through conversation and interaction.

“I had the best time in my life playing with the kids and teaching. They are really smart,” said Yeoman Seaman Saquan Sutton. “It was a whole new experience for me that makes you appreciate where you are from.”

Essex’s Command Chaplain, Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Sweeney was pleased the Sailors and Marine’s visit brought happiness to the children.

“Participating in these community relations activities allows our service members the opportunity to meet people in the local community and interact in activities like sports or something like painting at a local school,” said Sweeney.

Essex’s visit to Cambodia marks the first time an amphibious assault ship has visited the country and marks the second U.S. Navy ship visit in 2007. USS Gary’s (FFG 51) visit in April was the first U.S. ship to visit the Kingdom of Cambodia in more than 30 years.

Essex is currently conducting its semi-seasonal fall patrol throughout East and Southeast Asia.

Essex is the lead ship of the only forward-deployed U.S. Expeditionary Strike Group and serves as the flagship for Commander, Task Force 76, the Navy's only forward-deployed amphibious force commander. Task Force 76 is headquartered at White Beach Naval Facility, Okinawa, Japan, with a detachment in Sasebo, Japan.

US Troops Take Health Care to Preah Vihear

US Marines doctors from the USS Essex providing medical care to villagers in Kampong Cham (Photo: Huy Vannak, RFA)

By Kong Soth, VOA Khmer
Original report from Preah Vihear province
29 November 2007

US medical personnel from the warship Essex were in Preah Vihear province Thursday, giving eye and dental care to villagers, as the US military tour continues.

About 300 villagers came for checkups from medical staff of the USS Essex, the largest US ship to visit Cambodia in 30 years, docked in Sihanoukville.

"In a remote district like this, there are many people coming for medical checkups," said Kulen District Governor Kong Vuthy.

"We'll do all we can to help," said Col. John Mayer, commanding officer for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which was deployed from the ship.

Hun Sen: In the past, when he sees a US ship, he would attack it [... Not any more now because he's in love with the greenback?]

Hun Sen welcomes USS Essex

Thursday, November 29, 2007
Everyday.com.kh
Translated from Khmer by Socheata

Samdach Dek Cho Hun Sen, the prime minister of Cambodia, welcomed the docking of a US battleship (USS Essex) in Kampong Som port. At a speech given during a seminar on Wednesday, Hun Sen declared that the docking of this battleship shows that Cambodia is currently wide open to cooperation as a partner with all countries that want to maintain a relationship with Cambodia. Hun Sen added that, in the past, when he sees a US ship, he would attack it. Hun Sen said that he not only welcomes the US battleship, he is also welcoming ships from all other countries which came to dock in Cambodia in the past, these ships include French, Indian, and Australian battleships, and he said that Cambodia will remain opened. Hun Sen said: “We are pleased with the navy from various countries which came to help the Cambodian people for humanitarian, social and sports causes.”

US Warship Strengthens Bilateral Ties

By Kong Soth, VOA Khmer
Original report from Sihanoukville
27 November 2007

US military and medical troops began health and dental checkups for Cambodians on other humanitarian work Tuesday, after the warship Essex docked in Sihanoukville.

"I think the presence of the US ship that has docked in the international port at [Sihanoukville] indicates the deep relationship between the royal government of Cambodia and the US government," said Prum Sarang, vice principle of Hun Sen Primary School, in Sihanoukville, where the Marines from the Essex repainted the school, repaired windows and set up a playground.

With up to 2,500 crew, the USS Essex is the largest US ship to visit Cambodia in 30 years.

Crew will also have military "exchanges" with Cambodian personnel.

U.S. provide anti-terrorism training for Cambodians forces

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, Nov. 27 (Xinhua) -- The United States' Marine Corps personnel here on Tuesday started to provide anti-terrorism training for Cambodia's National Counter Terrorism Task Force (NCTTF).

"The training will enhance NCTTF's ability to conduct sustained counter terrorism training as well as participate in future U.S. and partner nation's military exchange programs," said a press release from the U.S. Embassy.

U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, stationed aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Essex which arrived in port city Sihanoukville on Monday morning, will train NCTTF members on field medical operation, marksmanship, leadership development and hand-to-hand combat, it added.

"We will exchange ideas of fighting terrorism and develop counter terrorism capabilities for both countries," said captain Zachary Martin, who taught his first lesson for the Cambodian soldiers on Tuesday afternoon in NCTTF's camp near the Phnom Penh International Airport.

During its six-day stay in the kingdom, the USS Essex is due to carry out medical, military and civic engineering missions in Kampong Cham, Preah Vihear, Kampong Chhnang, Phnom Penh as well as Sihanoukville.

The 844-foot long, 44,000-ton vessel, originally based in Sasebo, Japan, is capable of transporting, deploying, commanding and supporting all elements of marine landing force of over 2,000 troops during an assault by air and amphibious craft.

Essex has been the second U.S. military ship that visited Cambodia this year. In February, the USS Gary guided missile frigate visited the kingdom and carried out civic mission in several provinces.

US Ship Docks in Sihanoukville

By VOA Khmer, Reporters
Original report from Washington & Phnom Penh
26 November 2007

The USS Essex, a 2,000-crew, 250-meter ship, docked in Sihanoukville Monday, the largest US ship to land at the port city in 30 years.

The ship will deploy its crew for "community relations events, medical and dental events and professional military exchanges," the US Embassy in Phnom Penh said in a statement.

Crew "will also have the chance to meet local citizens and experience local customs and traditions," the embassy said.

The ship's visit is the second US naval appearance this year, following decades of cooler relations between Cambodia and the US. Relations have improved, including the resumption of direct foreign aid and military aid to Cambodia this year.

USS Essex port visit in Sihanoukville

The USS Essex ports at the Gulf of Thailand near Cambodia's port town of Sihanoukville, 20 kilometers (137 miles) southwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Monday, Nov. 26, 2007. The USS Essex arrived in Cambodia for medical, military and civic engineering missions. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

A helicopter prepares to land on USS Essex during its visit to Sihanouk ville town, 230 km (143 miles) west of Phnom Penh, November 26, 2007. The USS Essex and its crew of sailors and marines will be deployed to sites across Cambodia to provide medical and dental treatment, engineering and community relations projects, as well as conduct military-to-military exchanges and training. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

USS Essex Commanding Officer John L. Mayer, third from left, speaks during a press conference upon its arrival in Sihanoukville, 220 kilometers (137 miles) southwest of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Monday, Nov. 26, 2007 for medical, military and civic engineering missions. (AP Photo/Heng Sinith)

A U.S. sailor offers money to street children as he rides in a motor cart Sihanoukville town, 230 km (143 miles) west of Phnom Penh November 26, 2007. The USS Essex and hundreds of U.S. sailors and marines will be deployed to sites across Cambodia to provide medical and dental treatment, complete engineering and community relations projects and conduct military exchanges and training. REUTERS/Chor Sokunthea

U.S. ship in Cambodia on medical, military mission

SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- The United States'　amphibious assault ship USS Essex arrived here on Monday morning to carry out medical, military and civic engineering missions in several provinces of Cambodia.

The staff members will carry out medical and dental operations for the civilians in Kampong Cham and Preah Vihear, civic engineering operation in Kampong Chhnang, military training with Cambodia's National Counter Terrorism Task Force and military exchange with the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces in Phnom Penh, as well as community relation construction programs in Sihanoukville,　said a press release from the U.S. Embassy.

The six-day stay comes out of the interests of both sides and the U.S. hopes for stronger relations with Cambodia in the future, said Captain Brian T. Donegan.

On the ship, Sihanoukville Governor Say Hak told reporters that　the arrival of the ship shows that the friendly relationship and cooperation between the two countries are deepened.

Piper Campell, deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy, said that both sides will carry out more cooperation in the navy field and U.S. ship visits will continue in the coming times.

The 844-foot long, 44,000-ton vessel will stay in Cambodia until Nov. 2.

It is originally based in Japan, capable of transporting, deploying, commanding and supporting all elements of marine landing force of over 2,000 troops during an assault by air and amphibious craft.

Essex has been the second U.S. military ship that visited Cambodia this year. In February, the USS Gary guided missile frigate visited the kingdom and carried out civic mission in the country.

31st MEU, USS Essex Marines, Sailors arrive in Cambodia to foster relations

By: 31st MEU
Story by: Cpl. Kamran Sadaghiani

SIHANOUKVILLE, Kingdom of Cambodia(Nov. 26, 2007) -- Marines and Sailors from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, Command Amphibious Squadron 11 and the amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2) arrived here, Nov. 26 for a scheduled port visit.

More than 2,500 servicemembers are scheduled to provide medical and dental treatment to rural Cambodians, participate in engineering civic action projects, professional military exchanges, youth activities, and distribute hundreds of donated items, such as books, toys, clothes and medicals supplies across Cambodia to foster goodwill.

“Over the course of the next week, Marines and Sailors coming from the Essex will conduct two medical and dental clinics, build two bridges and participate in six community relations projects,” said Col. John Mayer, the 31st MEU commanding officer. “We will also (teach at) the National Defense University to help students with English and to understand our military forces.”

The MEU, Essex and CPR-11 have been granted a budget of more than 26,000 dollars for construction materials, 10,000 dollars for medical supplies and 2,000 dollars for community relation event donations, such as books, sporting equipment and school supplies, according to Maj. Eric Malinowki, the MEU logistics officer, and a native of Portsmouth, N.H.

During a visit to the Essex, Royal Government of Cambodia distinguished guests and U.S. military leaders spoke of the new beginnings this visit makes possible.

Piper Campbell, the Kingdom of Cambodia U.S. Embassy deputy chief of mission, explained this visit represents the continued friendship between the two nations and military services.

“I am honored to welcome the USS Essex and the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to Sihanoukville,” said Campbell. “As you may know, this visit represents only the second time a U.S. Naval vessel has visit. These visits are a dramatic representation of the strengthening and broadening of the relationship between the United States and Cambodia. The visit of the USS Essex will build on these partnerships and help to deepen our ties.

“An important aspect of this visit is that thousands of Cambodians will have the opportunity to personally interact with some of America’s finest ambassadors,” added Campbell. "I can think of no finer symbol of the friendship between Americans and Cambodians than these people-to-people projects.

“I would like to thank his Excellency, the governor of Sihanoukville, and the entire Royal Government of Cambodia for all of their support in making this historic visit successful," Campbell continued.

Mayer expressed his gratitude for this opportunity to visit the Kingdom of Cambodia.

“On behalf of all the Marines and Sailors of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, I would like to thank each and every one of you for having our Marines and Sailors visit the Kingdom of Cambodia,” said Mayer, to members of the Royal Government of Cambodia, during a visit to the Essex. “All the Marines and Sailors from the MEU are excited and absolutely see this as an opportunity to meet the people of Cambodia and see this historical land.”

The visit is part of the Cambodia Theater Security Cooperation, which is intended to build on the relationship between the U.S. and Cambodian governments and develop interoperability between U.S. forces and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.

November 03, 2007
U.S. warfare ship to visit Cambodia soon

The USS Essex, one of the largest class of amphibious warfare ships in the United States fleet, will dock in Sihanoukville in late November with 1,000 U.S. marines on board, local media said on Saturday.

"They will help with health programs and engineering projects -repairing schools and bridges," Jeff Daigle, spokesman for the U.S. Embassy was quoted by newspaper the Phnom Penh Post as saying.

The USS Essex, 844 feet long, is based in Japan and will stay in Cambodia from Nov. 26 to Dec. 2.

Source: Xinhua