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Stout Conducts COMREL in Curacao

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060413-10
Release Date: 4/13/2006 1:30:00 PM

By Journalist 2nd Class (SW/AW) Elizabeth Enockson, George Washington Strike Group Public Affairs

USS STOUT , Curacao (NNS) -- USS Stout (DDG 55) Sailors participated in a community relations project (COMREL) in Curacao, Netherlands Antilles, April 10.

The project is one of the many ways Stout is participating in “Partnership of the Americas.”

“COMRELs do a tremendous amount of good for maintaining a positive Navy image for the people in Curacao,” said Cmdr. David Clark, U.S. liaison officer for Curacao. “They tie in really well with the whole idea of ‘Partnership of the Americas’ by enhancing the reputation of the United States and lifting the world image of Americans.”

Volunteers from every department came out to share their skills and help rebuild a family home.

“Sailors from Stout came out to help this family because they’ve been living in a tiny house that is just run down,” said ship’s COMREL Coordinator, Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW) Franklin Bogus. “The father has one leg and can only work part time. The mother gets government assistance, but they really are living on almost nothing. We’re just down here to help make it more livable and make a safer yard for the kids to play in.”

Participants cleaned up garbage, tore up weeds, rewired lights, painted and installed new cabinets.

“I don’t enjoy visiting ports for the nightlife,” said Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) 2nd Class (SW) Chester Saxton, who helped out by rewiring some electrical outlets. “I want to be able to leave the ship and feel good about what I do in port. I’m glad that I can help and my skills will be appreciated by the family who might not be able to do wiring or afford to hire someone to do it for them. Plus, it gives me practice for my house.”

Others volunteers choose to help because they agree that the most important thing to leave behind is a positive image.

“It’s good to come out and help and leave a positive relationship,” said Fire Controlman 2nd Class (SW) Talvin Payne. “The Navy needs worldwide support in everything we do, and taking the time to give back helps. Once you start helping and you get that good feeling, you always keep it with you.”

Stout is currently deployed as a unit of “Partnership of the Americas,” a maritime training and readiness deployment of U.S. naval forces with countries from the Caribbean and Latin America, in support of U.S. Southern Command objectives for enhanced maritime security.

Stout left Norfolk Naval Station April 4 and is scheduled to return to her homeport later this spring.