Marines and Sailors from USS OAK HILL (LSD 51) gave out 50 of your Teddy Bears during a visit in Marambaia Island, Brazil, which is near Rio de Janeiro.  It’s part of a U.S. Marine Corps South Exercise “Southern Exchange” that will finish up this weekend.  There is much more information at www.southcom.mil

As you can see from the pictures, your Bears were given to children who took part in a Medical/Dental Exchange with the Brazilians.
CDR Lewis Preddy
COMFOURTHFLT Project Handclasp Coordinator

RIO DE JANEIRO (July 28, 2009) Sailors assigned to the amphibious dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) hand out teddy bears to local children at Marambaia Island, Brazil. Oak Hill is participating in Southern Partnership Station ´09. Southern Partnership Station is a combined naval and amphibious operation with Oak Hill and maritime forces from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. Oak Hill is also supporting U.S. Marine Corps Forces South multinational amphibious exercise Southern Exchange 2009. (U.S Army photo by Spc. Corey Idleburg/Released)