Stethem Sailors Lend a Hand to the Australian Red Cross
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS070803-14
Release Date: 8/3/2007 1:42:00 PM
By Ensign Annie George, USS Stethem Public Affairs
TOWNSVILLE, Australia (NNS) -- Sailors from guided-missile destroyer USS Stethem (DDG 63) donated some of their time to the Australian Red Cross during a port visit July 20-24 to Townsville.
About 22 Stethem Sailors, also know as “Steelworkers,” volunteered for the community relations project at the Australian Red Cross Accommodation House. The house provides patients and their families from outlying areas with a place to call home while receiving medical treatment.
Stethem Sailors did general cleaning around the grounds, preparing the property as spring approaches in Australia.
“This was my first volunteer project since I’ve reported aboard Stethem and I really enjoyed myself,” said Electrician’s Mate Fireman Apprentice Sarah Swayka. "It feels good to give up some of my time to a good cause like the Australian Red Cross."
The Steelworkers were later invited inside for a surprise meal of kangaroo meat and other Australian dishes provided by the accommodation house volunteer staff. After the meal, the project leader, Chief Electrician’s Mate Severo Elecanal presented the accommodation house director with a framed Stethem picture signed by the Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Paul J. Lyons.
Stethem is named in honor of Steelworker 2nd Class (DV) Robert Dean Stethem, who was killed by terrorists when they hijacked TWA Flight 847 in 1985. Stethem was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star for the heroism he displayed that day. Stethem is part of the Kitty Hawk Carrier Strike Group and is deployed from Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan, operating in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.
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