Wasp Sailors give back at Halifax elementary school

Courtesy Photo | Canadian Forces Base Halifax Commanding Officer Capt. John Newton comes out to thank Sailors for their hard work at a COMREL held at St. Catherine's school in Halifax, Canada, June 26, 2010. Wasp is currently participating in the Canadian Naval Centennial and International Fleet Review Week that began June 25 and concludes July 2. Wasp Sailors and Marines, including embarked Carrier Strike Group 2, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, and 3rd Battalion 2nd Marines are participating in various cultural and sporting events during the visit aimed at strengthening relationships and the strong bilateral and multilateral ties shared between the Canadian navy and its allies. (U.S. Navy photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Rebekah Adler, mass communication specialist)  

HALIFAX, NS, CANADA

06.26.2010

Courtesy Story

USS WASP (LHD 1)   

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Rebekah Adler

HALIFAX, Canada - USS Wasp Sailors took a break from celebrating the Canadian navy’s 100th birthday in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to spread good will at St. Catherine’s elementary school providing some much-needed repairs and yard work during a community relations project June 26.

Approximately 35 Sailors from U.S. ships participating in the Canadian Naval Centennial and International Fleet Review week volunteered, including Sailors from Wasp, USS Barry, USS Boone, and USS Gettysburg, as well as a contingent of British and Canadian Sailors.

For five hours the Sailors worked on various projects for the school such as laying down mulch for the playground, spreading sod for a 3,500-foot soccer field, planting a vegetable garden, and building picnic tables.

St. Catherine’s Principal Richard Duribe was grateful for the Sailors’ contributions, saying the help he received proved to be a significant savings for the school.

“This project alone saved us $13,000, however, the value of the community spirit today was incalculable,” he said. “We’re absolutely thrilled to have the Sailors here. We are proud of our school and the international connections we have made.”

The event gave Sailors a chance to bond with the community and to give something back to their host city and interact with one another. Teachers and parents of the students were eager to meet the service members and were impressed with the hard work they performed for the school. During the event, many of them came out to provide refreshments and lunch for the crew.

“Any COMREL is important because it gives our Sailors a wonderful outlet to be productive and gives the community an opportunity to see the military in a role they may not necessarily see them in. It helps foster relationships with other countries,” said Wasp Command Cmdr. Dean Hoelz, chaplain.

Wasp Sailor Petty Officer 1st Class Sabrina Anderson, fire controlman, said her prime motive for volunteering was directly linked to assisting the children.

“I thought the St. Catherine’s COMREL was interesting, but I liked that we helped the children [by making] a new playground,” Anderson said. “I hope they enjoy it.”

Sailors welcomed the change of pace from their busy shipboard schedule and enjoyed the exchange with Canadian and British forces. It was a learning experience for most everyone, as they were able to build an understanding of each other’s navy.

“It’s great to get all of the forces together and do something out of your core work week to give something back to the community, and to meet military members from different countries. Although we are different, we have many similarities,” said HMS Liverpool Sailor, Leading Seaman William Macleod, a Glasgow, Scotland, native.

“COMREL projects help us join better as a team, and it helps us get closer and create partnerships with other navies, “said Petty Officer 2nd Class Jesse Glover, quartermaster, of USS Barry.

Glover added that, not only does he enjoy working with the other militaries, but he is glad to be able to help. He said he looks forward to participating in projects like these in every port he visits.

“It’s a good time to get out in the community, to do some outreach and get to learn about different cultures. I’d rather do this than go to a bar. At least I’m doing something good for the community,” he said.

The service members performed a volunteer service, and unexpectedly received a bonus in return. At the conclusion of the event, Duribe handed each Sailor an “A Plus” pin, something he rewards his students for earning good grades, to show his appreciation for their hard work.

Wasp Sailors and Marines, including embarked Carrier Strike Group 2, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, and 3rd Battalion 2nd Marines are participating in various cultural and sporting events during the visit aimed at strengthening relationships and the strong bilateral and multilateral ties shared between the Canadian navy and its allies.

• Date Taken: 06.26.2010
• Date Posted: 06.27.2010 16:11
• Story ID: 52041
• Location: HALIFAX, NS, CA