Vincennes' Sailors Make New Friends
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS050404-10
Release Date: 4/4/2005 4:59:00 PM
By Ensign Jada Johnson, USS Vincennes Public Affairs
PYONGTAEK, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- Twenty-four USS Vincennes (CG 49) Sailors made some enthusiastic new friends March 16 during a port visit in Pyongtaek, Republic of Korea.
More than a dozen tottering toddlers greeted the "Team 49" Sailors as they stepped into the nursery at the Eastern Child Welfare Center, a multi-dimensional service program that provides education and vocational training for its residents.
"Vincennes loves kids." said Quartermaster 3rd Class (SW) Stevie Q. Greenway.
Not everyone who volunteered was able to directly participate in the community relations project, so Team 49 created alternative ways to get everyone involved.
The "Show Some Love" donation box enabled Sailors to purchase Vincennes memorabilia from the ship's store as gifts for the children. Vincennes' culinary specialists also participated by baking more than 100 cookies for the event.
"The entire ship was involved with this community relations project," said Electrician's Mate Fireman Terry Fowler. "It was truly a Team 49 Effort."
Sailors from the Republic of Korea Navy 2nd Fleet also joined Team 49 in the visit, giving both navies a chance to interact with one another while playing with the children. All three groups spent the afternoon playing various games before the Sailors had to return to their respective ships.
Community relations projects like this one are commonly performed by Vincennes and other ships in U.S. 7th Fleet and provide Sailors with the satisfaction of service.
"It felt good to do something for someone else," said Culinary Specialist 1st Class (SW/AW) William Wiley. "I really enjoyed it."
Operating from Yokosuka, Japan, Vincennes is assigned to Destroyer Squadron 15 and the Kitty Hawk Strike Group.
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