Sanctuary (AH 17) - Naval Cruise Book

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After spending our final month in the Bay Area preparing for our mission-all the work proved worthwhile when, after spending eleven days at sea, we arrived in Buenaventura to the sight of several thousand Colombians waiting on the piers and in the streets to welcome us to their country. And the friendship didn't stop at the greeting we received at the pier, a simple walk through the streets during our month stay never failed to bring enough smiles and handshakes to make us realize that the people of Buenaventura were happy to have us there. Still, our main concern was Project Handclasp. lt was plain to see that a month's stay couldn't begin to solve all the ills that have plagued this seaport town for generations, but by deliverying goods where the needs were most immediate, by cross training with medical personnel within the city, and by seeing as many patients as we had room for, we contributed as much as possible in the time we were given. In addition, the 13-man Seabee Detachment spent long hours on engineering and public works projects aimed at providing advice and assistance on construction techniques that should have a long-term impact on the living conditions in parts of Buenaventura. lf success were to be measured solely in terms of what we accomplished with the technical aspect of Project Handclasp, then our trip to Buenaventura was all we could have hoped for. lf, in addition, it could be measured by the intangibles such as the friendships we made, the cultural knowledge we gained and the lessons we learned, then this part of the SANCTUARY Experience will remain with us all for a long time. One of our last views of San Francisco Bay. Alcatraz Igland.

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