PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. – Twelve sailors from the amphibious assault ship USS Wasp joined together for a Community Relation Project with volunteers at the Rebuilding Together Broward County organization to help improve the homes and lives of low-income homeowners and veterans in the city of Halandale Beach, Fla., April 28.
Sailors worked for more than seven hours making indoor and outdoor home repairs including reinforcing and repairing roofs that had taken termite damage, removing old bath tubs, kitchen cabinets, and sinks in order to replace them with newer and more efficient models, and providing fresh coats of paint to the houses.
“Having the chance to come out and help a community that has so graciously hosted us for Navy Week Port Everglades is an extreme honor and privilege that I couldn’t pass up,” said Aviation Support Equipment Technician Airman James Marshall. “Being able to come out for COMRELs and help those less fortunate is one of the best things I get to do.”
Throughout the course of the day Joy Cooper, mayor of Halandale Beach, made multiple visits to assist with the repair work as well as to thank the sailors for all the work they contributed to repairing the houses.
“I am extremely honored to have these sailors here donating their time and service to our community,” said Cooper. “On behalf of the city and the community I would like to thank every single one of our service members for the work they did here.”
Wasp sailors will be in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., from April 25-30 celebrating Navy Week and during that time will be participating in a wide range of events consisting of various receptions, community relation projects and inter-ship competitions.