Donner (LSD 20) - Naval Cruise Book

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HISTORY and MISSION Mutual understanding between countries cannot be advanced by a single drannatic stroke, but rather by a thousand small acts by a thousand people all patiently trying to enlarge the area of mutual respect between human beings. This statement was made by Admiral Arleigh Burke, former Chief of Naval Operations. Several years ago, former President Eisenhower initiated the nationwide movement known as the People-to-People program. President Kennedy endorsed this program early this year. With the enthusiastic support of Admiral Burke, the Navy and Marine Corps Joint Service Programi became operational in November I960. This People-to-People prograna was designated Operation South Atlantic Amity and is designed to be carried out in small - but important - acts by the thousands of men who are part of the Solant Amity Forces. The mission of Solant Amity is primarily to present the American, and the American way of life, to the people of other nations. This is done in several ways. For instance, helicopters air lift medical supplies as much as 50 miles inland for a missionary station. People are given a glimpse of the American way of life through use of the Solant Amity Fair where display boards and demonstrations are used to portray the United States, and the custonns and traditions of its people, A typical visit by Solant Amity units would include: Rendering honors to visiting miilitary and civic officials; Presentative of books, medical supplies and food; Athletic contests with local teams, such as baseball, soft- ball, golf, volleyball, soccer and judo exhibitions; Children ' s parties aboard ships, and visits to private homes. The ships would hold general visiting in the afternoons, and it is esti- mated that over a quarter of a million Africans have visited U.S. Navy ships. Most of them saw Americans for the first time. The Solant Amity bands have spoken the international language of music to some 400,000 people by outdoor concerts, pierside jam sessions and any other occasion where their services were called for. This was the third Solant Amity Force. It consisted of five ships which carried to the people of Africa, 32, 000 pounds of medical supplies, 10, 000 pounds of food, 10,000 pounds of protein, 400 bibles, 40 cases of clothing and 10, 000 magazines , Encyclopedias, toothbrushes, tooth paste, candy, and last but not least, the warmhearted good will of the American people. Our men returned from Solant Amity III with the knowledge that there are friends of America all over the world. SOLANT AMITY 1961