USS Mustin in Da Nang

Tuesday, October 06 2009 @ 09:13 AM MDT

U.S. Department of State -- During a port call to Danang October 18-21, the crew of the USS Mustin, an Arleigh-Burke class guided missile destroyer, carried out community relations projects at the Nguyen Dinh Chieu School for Disabled Children. In addition to playing with the children at the school, sailors also distributed toys and conducted needed landscaping projects. The visit also included a goodwill volleyball match with Vietnam People’s Navy sailors and a friendly soccer game with students from the University of Danang.


Photo: Seaman Dakota Martin, from CottageGrove, Minn., performs yard work at Nguyen Dinh Chieu School for DisabledChildren in Da Nang, Vietnam

At the welcoming ceremony and press conference, Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Virginia Palmer said, "This historic ship visit to Danang represents the sincere commitment from both countries in developing ongoing diplomatic ties and strengthening the relationships between these two great countries.  The US recognizes the amount of effort and resources that goes into hosting a ship visit and appreciates the opportunity to come to Vietnam."

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) and its crew arrived in Da Nang Oct. 18 for a scheduled port visit.

While in port, the ship's crew of approximately 300 Sailors will participate in several community relations projects to include conducting yard work and painting a fence that surrounds the Nguyen Dinh Chieu School for disabled children. Mustin Sailors will also play a volleyball game against their counterparts from the Vietnam People's Navy and challenge a local soccer team at San Chi Lang Stadium. As part of Project Handclasp, Sailors will hand out toys and books as well.

"This visit emphasizes the growing cooperation between the United States and Vietnam," said Mustin Commanding Officer, Cmdr. James Jones. "It gives the crew a great opportunity to experience the wonderful culture of Vietnam and Da Nang in particular."

"Community relations projects are important in providing an opportunity for us to work with our Vietnamese neighbors to achieve a common goal while simultaneously giving us an opportunity to thank our hosts for their gracious hospitality. It is also incredibly rewarding to make a positive impact on the lives of others," Added Jones.

Mustin is one of seven Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and is permanently forward-deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. U.S. 7th Fleet is the largest of the forward-deployed U.S. fleets, with approximately 60-70 ships, 200-300 aircraft and 40,000 Sailors and Marines assigned at any given time.

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