Patriot, Salvor Sailors Lend Hand to Vietnamese Orphanage
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS060709-01
Release Date: 7/9/2006 9:35:00 AM
From Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Adam R. Cole, Task Force 76 Public Affairs
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (NNS) -- Sailors of USS Patriot (MCM 7) and USS Salvor (ARS 52) lent a helping a hand and passed out gifts to the Thien Binh Orphanage in Long Thanh, just outside of Ho Chi Minh City, July 3 and 5, during a scheduled port visit here.
For the project, Sailors painted a multipurpose room, installed shelving and placed mosquito screens around the eating areas. At the end of both day’s community giving, the Sailors handed out candy and played with sports equipment — soccer balls and volleyballs — donated by U.S. businesses through the U.S. Consulate.
“It felt rewarding just so see the smiles on those kids, and to shake their hands and see their faces light up,” said Yeoman 1st Class (SW) Steven L. Hood. “I think we were able to make a big difference and show that the U.S. cares and wants to help.”
The community service project was part of a multitude of events planned during the Patriot/Salvor visit to enhance U.S.-Vietnam relations.
The visit and donations came as a welcomed surprise to Superior Sister Lucie Nguyen Thi Toan, founder and caretaker of the Thien Binh orphanage, whose rurally-based orphanage lacks the resources for renovation or sports equipment. However, her pleasure wasn’t merely in the material goods offered; it was in the U.S. Navy presence, as Sailors brought happiness to the orphanage.
“They are very, very happy,” said Nguyen Thi Toan of the children’s attitude during the projects. “This is the first time they have seen U.S. Sailors, and they really admire them. This happiness will be remembered and held with us.”
Giggles and youthful energy were abundant once the U.S. Sailors began interacting with the children after the renovation work was complete. Sailors teamed up with kids for four-on-four soccer games, which were played on a makeshift field in the yard. Others played volleyball with the children.
“I liked very much playing with Sailors and the candy,” said Nguyen Dang Khoa, 12, a child at the orphanage.
For the Sailors, they were pleased that they could contribute and felt like they had made a difference.
“This is a wonderful experience, just to give back,” said Personnel Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Ronald N. Ching. “We know that at least we made them happy.”
On the last day of the projects, Sailors imparted words of “See you again,” in English which the kids happily repeated. The orphans waved frantically to the Sailors as they boarded the bus, a moment that touched the volunteers and showed them just how meaningful their efforts were.
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 and embarked Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, Detachment (Det) 51 are currently deployed in Southeast Asia to support 7th Fleet’s interoperability and training commitments in mine neutralization warfare and maritime operations.
Salvor, homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, is one of the U.S. Navy's four deep-ocean salvage and rescue vessels. The ship and her crew are currently taking part in the three-month Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise series. CARAT is an annual series of bilateral maritime training exercises between the United States and six Southeast Asia nations designed to build relationships and enhance the operational readiness of the participating forces. As part of the most recent CARAT phase in Thailand, the crew of Salvor, along with embarked divers from Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit 1, completed six days of diving operations on wreckage in the Gulf of Thailand believed to be that of the lost World War II submarine USS Lagarto (SS 371).
For more information on CTF 76, visit www.ctf76.navy.mil.
For related news, visit the Commander, Amphibious Force, U.S. 7th Fleet Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/ctf76/.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
