By Lt. Cdr. Jennifer Cragg
Navy Expeditionary Combat Command
NEW YORK – Sea service members, including U.S. Navy Seabee personnel, assisted Habitat for Humanity New York City (Habitat NYC) on restoration projects on Brooklyn and Queens as part of a Fleet Week New York (FWNY) community service project May 25-26.
Military personnel donated their time and skills on two home building projects in Brooklyn, two revitalization projects in Queens and joined “A Brush with Kindness” project to volunteer at a local community.
“The Seabees have a long tradition and history and a lot of people don’t understand the capability of the Naval Construction Force,” said Builder 1st Class Khiaro Promise, a Seabee and Chicago native with Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 1 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek Fort-Story, Virginia.
Having a great-uncle who served in the Marine Corps for 30 years, and a grandfather who served in the U.S. Air Force during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Promise said the need to serve is in his blood.
Promise entered the U.S. Navy in 2006 and serves as an advanced underwater construction technician.
Some of the skills Promise has developed during his Navy career include building and repairing all types of structures including piers, bridges, underwater installations, schools, offices and housing structures.
In 2017 Promise and the U.S. Navy Seabees, past and present, celebrated the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the “Fighting Seabees.”
The goal of the volunteer effort was to give back to the local New York community for their support during FWNY, and to provide a positive impact while connecting Americans with their Navy.
Habitat NYC, a non-profit organization, transforms lives and communities by building and preserving affordable homes with hard-working families in need – and by uniting all New Yorkers around the cause of affordable housing. With the help of thousands of volunteers each year, Habitat NYC builds and preserves homes for ownership by low-to-moderate income families throughout the five boroughs, creating a stronger and more united New York. Learn more at www.habitatnyc.org.
FWNY, now in its 29th year, is the city’s time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today’s maritime services. The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984.
For up-to-date information on all FWNY events, visit the office FWNY website at www.fleetweeknewyork.com. “Like” FleetWeekNewYork on Facebook, or “Follow” @FleetWeekNYC on Twitter. FWNY photos can be viewed on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/fwnypao and Instagram at www.instagram.com/fleetweeknyc. Join the conversation on social media by using #FleetWeekNYC. Follow the Seabee Commemoration at #Seabee75th.
| Date Taken: | 05.26.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 05.26.2017 15:28 |
| Story ID: | 235500 |
| Location: | NY, US |
| Hometown: | CHICAGO, IL, US |
| Web Views: | 18 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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