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Patriot Completes Service Project in Rayong

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060530-09
5/30/2006

By Chief Electrician's Mate (SW) Noel Corneja, USS Patriot Public Affairs

RAYONG, Thailand (NNS) -- Sailors from Sasebo-based mine countermeasures ship USS Patriot (MCM 7) completed a painting project at a local elementary school in Rayong, Thailand, May 19 as part of Cobra Gold 2006.

Patriot Sailors knew that the service project would be a good way to give back to the community in addition to the combined training they are participating in. Even before the project, Patriot Sailors had a high level of enthusiasm to participate in helping the Thai community.

"I am excited. This is the first time for me to actually help others, and it feels great," said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Michael Berlingeri of Cleveland, Ohio.

Nine Patriot Sailors worked diligently throughout the day to paint the school's classroom at Nikom Sang Ton Aeng Rayong-3 elementary school. The project was coordinated by Peter Thorand of the Rotary Club of Taksin-Pattaya and Capt. Walter Bruce Watson Jr., naval attaché, U.S. Embassy, Bangkok, Thailand.

Both mentioned that the project will make a big difference in the area.

The finished room will be named after Patriot. Other classrooms at the school will be worked on by different ships and named after the respective ship that did the painting. The naming tribute is done in order to inspire both students and Sailors, said Thorand.

During the painting project, Patriot Sailors were visited by students of the school and offered thanks to volunteers.

"I will do this again on the following port," said Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (FMF) Robert C. Skibsted of Mocksville, N.C. "I love to help people who don't have much."

Volunteers enjoyed a short lunch break and were served a delicious Thai cuisine and refreshments, courtesy of Thorand and the school staff, and also given fresh fruit as a gesture of thanks.

"I heard the children saying 'thank you,' coached by their teachers, and for me that's more than enough," said Electrician's Mate 2nd Class (SW) Nathan Moran of Plainwell, Mich., after socializing with the children.

Patriot is a mine countermeasures ship forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan. Patriot and USS Guardian (MCM 5) serve under Task Force 76, which serves as the U.S. 7th Fleet's mine countermeasures arm in forward-deployed operations. The ship is currently deployed in Southeast Asia to support the 7th Fleet's interoperability and training commitments in mine neutralization warfare and maritime operations.