Michael Murphy Sailors help preserve local treasure in Guam

YIGO, GUAM

11.08.2014

Courtesy Story

Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet   

By Ensign Kelly Lorentson
USS Michael Murphy Public Affairs

YIGO, Guam - Sailors aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) participated in a community relations project to help preserve the natural beauty of the island of Guam and strengthen relations with the local community, Nov. 8.

Eleven crewmembers volunteered for the project which involved cleaning and picking up trash in and around a Marble Cave. Marble Cave is naturally filled by rain water and is a local favorite spot for swimming and picnicking.

“When we arrived at the cave, we were simply amazed,” said Chief Fire Controlman Ryan York, lead organizer of the community relations project. “It was such a beautiful sight. Neatly tucked away was this scenic cave filled with fresh, clean water.”

Upon arrival at the site, Sailors grabbed gloves and trash bags and went to work cleaning up trash around the cave.

“There were mounds of full garbage bags, a rusted air conditioning unit and a wheel barrow with no wheels thrown in the woods around the cave,” said York. “We pulled it all out and made a nice pile so that it could be picked up later.”

Volunteers spent nearly three hours removing all the trash from the cave and surrounding area. After Sailors finished cleaning, some enjoyed the fruits of their labor by taking a swim in the newly cleaned pool.

“We wanted to do something good for the community and help have a positive impact during our visit,” said York. “It was a great opportunity to help keep such a treasure maintained for others to enjoy for years to come.”

Michael Murphy is deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

• Date Taken: 11.08.2014
• Date Posted: 11.24.2014 00:31
• Story ID: 148606
• Location: YIGO, GU