A call for healing brought amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego (LPD 22) Sailors and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) Marines to the eastern beaches of Malaysia Aug. 29-30 to assist Malaysian civilian and military medical personnel in the 2014 Medical and Dental Civic Action Program.
The event (Med-Den CAP), part of the Malaysia, United States Amphibious Exercise, was a call to service answered by individuals dedicated to improving the health and well-being of others.
During the two-day Med-Den CAP mission, the teams treated more than 500 patients, providing short-term, solution-focused care.
Preparations the first day included setting up and staging equipment at a local gymnasium. This afforded the U.S. and Malaysian militaries and civilian care providers an opportunity to meet, plan and create a mini-clinic for treating patients. Later that day, a blood drive was held.
The second day was all about providing care, healing aliments and forging bonds.
The event wrapped up just as Malaysia was set to celebrate its independence day Aug. 31.
San Diego is currently on her maiden deployment with the 11th MEU as a part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group to promote peace and freedom of the seas by providing deterrence, humanitarian aid and disaster response while supporting the Navy’s maritime strategy in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.
Press Release, September 09, 2014; Image: Ingalls Shipbuilding