Continuing Promise 2015 Crew Support COMREL in Guatemala

PUERTO BARRIOS, GUATEMALA

04.24.2015

Courtesy Story

U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command / U.S. 4th Fleet

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Andrew Schneider
CP-15 Public Affairs

PUERTO BARRIOS, Guatemala (NNS) -- Service members embarked aboard Military Sealift Command hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) delivered stuffed animals, soccer balls and school supplies to children at the San Miguel School April 23, in support of Continuing Promise 2015 (CP-15).

CP 15 is a collaborative effort between the United States, partner nations and non-governmental and support organizations to conduct civil-military operations.

Efforts include humanitarian and civic assistance, as well as veterinary, medical, dental and civil engineering support to send a strong message of compassion, support and commitment to Central America, South America and the Caribbean.

The Navy Fleet Forces Band "Uncharted Waters" played a variety of musical arrangements while students and teachers cheered and danced. During the performance, band members also invited the children to play some of the instruments.

"It's fantastic, even though there is language barrier, music is a universal language," said Musician 1st Class Richard Bruns, assigned to "Uncharted Waters." "Just seeing the children smile and play the instruments with us was such a great feeling. We are really looking forward to future events like this."

Most of the 23 Navy and Army service members who volunteered had never participated in a community relations (COMREL) project before.

"This was my first opportunity to participate in a COMREL and I hope I have another chance to interact and build friendships with the people of Guatemala," said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class Angela Hill, assigned to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. "My favorite part was dancing with the children and delivering the toys."

The COMREL event was one of several opportunities the crew will have to engage with the local communities during Comfort's nine-day mission stop in Guatemala. COMRELs serve to enhance service member involvement with the local communities, fostering goodwill and enhancing the partnerships between the U.S. and Guatemala.

CP 15 is a U.S. Southern Command-sponsored and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet-conducted deployment to conduct civil-military operations.

For more news from Continuing Promise, visit www.navy.mil/local/cp/.

• Date Taken: 04.24.2015
• Date Posted: 04.27.2015 13:35
• Story ID: 161380
• Location: PUERTO BARRIOS, GT