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USS Crommelin Conducts Community Relations Project in Colombia

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080324-14
Release Date: 3/24/2008 1:18:00 PM

From USS Crommelin Public Affairs

CARTAGENA, Colombia (NNS) -- While in port Cartegena, Sailors from USS Crommelin (FFG 37) volunteered for a community relations project at a local school Feb. 22.

Twenty-one Crommelin Sailors volunteered their time for some good will and charitable work. The volunteers began their day by off-loading almost 1,200 pounds of charitable goods from Project Handclasp for donation to the school.

Crommelin's Sailors and Colombian volunteers were greeted by over 80 students, teachers and proud parents.

The project entailed over four hours of chipping, sanding, and painting the walls of an eight-room school for disabled children, which was 146 years old and understandably in a state of disrepair.

An enormous amount of progress was made in a very short amount of time, and when the work was complete, the little school house was in much better shape.

Navy Counselor 1st Class (SW/AW) Christopher Frederick said, "I enjoy interacting with people of different cultures and the opportunity to make a positive impression of Americans and the U.S. Navy. Our community relations projects usually provide a much needed service."

Before departing, the Sailors presented the Project Handclasp supplies to the school. These items included mostly toys as well as some medical and hygienic supplies.

Ensign Joseph Manaloto, Crommelin's Project Handclasp coordinator, expressed his gratitude to the students and parents for giving the volunteers a warm welcome.

Each of the Sailors involved had the opportunity to hand out donated items to the students, who were visibly excited and very grateful.

After some socializing, the Sailors packed things up, got back onto the bus, and were treated to lunch by their Colombian hosts. They all enjoyed an authentic local Colombian meal at an outdoor restaurant adjacent to a beautiful beach.

"To work side by side with the Colombian Navy, painting the school for disabled children, was a learning adventure due to the language barrier," said Operations Specialist 2nd Class (SW) Timothy Bonner. "Overall, it was an extremely rewarding and meaningful experience for all."

Crommelin, homeported in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, intends to continue its participation in theater security cooperation events, such as community relations projects and Project Handclasp donations.

Crommelin is currently deployed for U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command to conduct counter illicit trafficking operations for Joint Interagency Task Force South. The Sailors of "America's Battle Frigate" understand that while their current mission on the high seas is first and foremost, they still have the opportunity to spread the spirit of Aloha to foreign shores.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.