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USS Mustin aids in disaster relief

Photo By Mackenzie Adams | Lt. Jonathan Cirillo, left, Lt j.g. Theodore Dempsey, center, and Chief Electronics...... read more read more

ORMAC, PHILIPPINES

11.18.2013

Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Mackenzie P. Adams
USS Mustin Public Affairs

ORMAC, Republic of the Philippines – Sailors assigned to the forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin are assisting in the humanitarian assistance disaster relief mission of Operation Damayan, Nov. 15.

Mustin sailors donated food, clothing, blanket, toiletries and toys to the people that have been affected by the super Tyhphoon Haiyan/Yolanda.

The Super Typhoon has impacted more than 4.2 million people across 36 provinces in the Philippines, according to the Philippine government’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

“The sailors are coming together and helping in any way that they can whether that means cleaning out their racks and donating personal items or going to the ship’s store and buying food and toiletries to donate,” said Navy Counselor 1st Class Charhonda King. “I am very blessed and humbled to be a part of an operation like this. It’s truly a great feeling knowing that Mustin is making a difference.”

For some of the sailors of Mustin, the chance to help out in any way possible has proven to be very rewarding, especially sailors like Yeoman 2nd Class Teddie Urey.

“It’s a really great feeling knowing that my shipmates are so willing to help in any way that they can,” said Urey. “I’m so glad to be a part of this effort to aid all those in need during this time of devastation in the Philippines.”

“To see everyone come together in this way is amazing but I didn’t expect anything less from a crew like this,” said Culinary Specialist 1st Class Devon Thicklen.“We always come together when the time comes to help people less fortunate than us,. This Mustin crew has donated all these items out of the kindness of their hearts and I feel very proud to be a part of an organization like this.”

Once all the donated items were collected, Mustin sailors came together to package and distribute to the citizens of Ormac.

“I’m so happy to know that what we are doing is actually making a difference in these peoples’ lives and helping in any way possible,” added King.

Mustin is working with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group and the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade to assist the Philippines government in response to the aftermath of typhoon Haiyan in the Republic of the Philippines.