The imposing vessel, which anchored 15 miles off the coast of Ocho Rios, St Ann, returned two trucks belonging to the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) that were sent o the United States for repairs, in addition to 36 pallets of medical and hygienic products for the St Ann's Bay Hospital under the 'Project Handclasp' programme.

There were also six pallets of computers and books, which were handed over to the Rotary Club of Mandeville to be distributed to schools in Manchester.

The goods to the Rotary Club were raised in conjunction with the Cape Coral Gold Coast in Florida.

Fern Grove Basic School in St Ann also benefited from the donation of several items of school material.

Dr Patrick Adizua, a past president of the Rotary Club, received the items on behalf of the club and said they would benefit the New Green Primary and Junior High School among other schools in the parish.

Commander Rudy Laco told reporters that the Marines and Navy officers on board the USS Wasp would be working with the Jamaica Defence Force over the next few days.

Three-month deployment

The mission to Jamaica is part of a three-month deployment by the USS Wasp in the Central American and Caribbean region during which the crew completed operations in Haiti and the Dominican Republic as well as the naval base in Cuba.

The 844-foot long, 40,352-tonne Wasp, classified as a helicopter assault ship, transports troops, tanks, trucks, artillery, ammunition and other supplies.

It is capable of carrying a crew of 1,200 and 2,000 troops, although only about 1,500 were on board yesterday.

It can carry 42 helicopters, five Harrier jets, four missiles, three landing craft air cushions, three close-in weapons systems, four 25mm and four .50 calibre machine guns.

It has a 70,000 horsepower steam propulsion plant and can reach a speed of 24 knots.

- CG