• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Stethem Lends a Helping Hand In Okinawa

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060511-25
Release Date: 5/11/2006 9:20:00 PM

By Ensign Grace Rodden, USS Stethem Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan (NNS) -- While enjoying the warm weather and tropical scenery, USS Stethem (DDG 63) and other Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 ships cleaned a local beach and visited Ayahashi Retirement Home during a recent port visit here April 27 and 28.

Armed with trash bags and high spirits, Sailors set out to clean and collect trash, helping to make the local beach more enjoyable for the local residents.

“It felt great to do something for the community,” said Ship's Serviceman 1st Class (SW) Jorge Malgapo. “By [DESRON] participating together with the spirit of ‘one team, one fight’ we were able to fill one small truck full of trash in about an hour.”

Fourteen Stethem volunteers from seaman to senior chief volunteered to clean the beach, collecting a total of 20 bags of trash. In addition to removing trash, Sailors helped to move car seats and other large items to be placed in a makeshift landfill.

"It was a good way to show our neighbors that we care about the environment," said Chief Damage Controlman (SW) Allan Pedke. "It seldom happens that multiple ships from Yokosuka join together in service to the community. It shows good teamwork and camaraderie from the crews of each ship."

In addition to cleaning the beach, Stethem and Sailors from other DESRON 15 ships visited Ayahashi Retirement Home. The Sailors cleaned the facility and visited with the residents.

The service at the retirement home also served as a catalyst for future projects.

"We should do this more often to show that we care for our friends and neighbors," said Machinery Repairman 1st Class (SW) Santos Balaguer.

Chief Electrician's Mate (SW/AW) Severo Elecanal, who helped organize Stethem’s role in the two community-service events, agreed.

"Many Sailors expressed a great interest in wanting to help the Yokosuka community when we return," Elecanal said.

Plans are already in progress.

Stethem is assigned to DESRON 15 and is forward deployed to Yokosuka, Japan. DESRON 15 is currently deployed conducting Multi-Sail 2006, their annual anti-submarine exercise.