Truman, Hue City Sailors Pitch in at Italian Monastery
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS071126-02
Release Date: 11/26/2007 12:44:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Henry, Fleet Public Affairs Center Detachment Europe
NAPLES, Italy (NNS) -- During their recent port visit to Naples, Sailors from USS Harry Truman (CVN 75) and USS Hue City (CG 66) volunteered their time in a community relations project, Nov. 23, at the Abbey of San Vincenzo.
One hundred and eight volunteers from both ships helped the Abbey's nuns with seasonal grounds keeping and maintenance by cutting and burning brush from the road, and picking olives used to make olive oil.
The San Vincenzo Monastery often hosts volunteers from the Naples military community according to Reverend Mother Myriam Benedict.
"We wouldn't be here today without the help of the American military," said Benedict.
Electrician's Mate 2nd Class Alyce Arthur said community relations projects such as this one gives her and her shipmates opportunities to meet people and experience their customs firsthand.
"I think these [community relations] projects give me a chance to get to know the people and culture of the country I'm visiting," said Arthur.
"This is the largest group of volunteers we have ever had. Your work today keeps us well ahead of our schedule," said Benedict. "You're really an answer to our prayers."
"These projects remind Sailors that they cannot stop being Sailors when they step off the ship on liberty," said Truman Command Chaplain, Cmdr. Kenneth Counts. "They are still ambassadors and reflections of the Navy and America to these people."
The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, commanded by Rear Adm. Bill Gortney, is currently en route to the Central Command area of operations as part of the ongoing rotation to support maritime security operations in the region.
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