Bonhomme Richard’s community outreach mission

SASEBO, NAGASAKI, JAPAN

12.22.2015

Story by Petty Officer 1st Class James Mitchell 

USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6)

SASEBO, Japan – Sailors from the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) took a 30-minute drive away from Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo to visit local school children as part of the ship’s community outreach program on Tuesday.

“There’s an altruistic benefit that comes along with helping your fellow man,” says Cmdr. Curtis Price, chaplain of Bonhomme Richard.

The value of volunteering for this school visit is the right thing to do, he continues. There’s a broader meaning behind a school visit such as this.

“There’s a relationship we’re building upon, certainly with the Japanese people,” says Price.

This particular event is just one small project in the context of the many relationships built between Bonhomme Richard’s Sailors and the local community.

Last week, BHR Sailors helped teach English to members of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.

As a crew, we want to be good citizens of the world, he says. We can show that by the way we interact with the local nationals or JSDF members, Price explains.

“Being able to go out to an elementary school, these are just basic fun things to do to help further that relationship.”

Sailors don’t necessarily have to wait for another organized event.

In between the community events organized by the ship’s religious ministries division, Sailors can be a part of the local community on a day to day basis.

“Some of the simple things we can do is get out there and interact with the Japanese people.”

There are many cultural events and sites of significance outside the gates.

“The Japanese people love to see us there,” says Price.

Bonhomme Richard is the lead ship in the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group and is forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan, in the 7th Fleet area of operations.

• Date Taken: 12.22.2015
• Date Posted: 12.22.2015 23:50
• Story ID: 185200
• Location: SASEBO, NAGASAKI, JP