• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Ashland Sailors Participate in Israel Community Relations Project

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080327-12
Release Date: 3/27/2008 12:27:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Mandy Hunsucker, Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group Public Affairs

HAIFA, Israel (NNS) -- Sailors from the amphibious dock landing ship, USS Ashland (LSD 48) participated in a community relations day, March 21, during a port visit to Haifa.

Ten Sailors from the ship teamed up for the public beautification project at Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery where they worked on the contemplation gardens in preparation for the second largest processional in Israel.

"During World War I, their statue of the Virgin Mary was moved to a chapel in the inner city of Haifa to avoid damage. During that time, members of the order prayed for the Virgin to watch over the city," said Lt. Jeffrey Quinn, chaplain, Ashland. "When the war ended with no harm done to Haifa, they returned the statue to the monastery in a procession all the way from downtown to the top of the mountain. This procession is reenacted every year on the second Sunday following Easter."

"This is a sign of friendship, a sign of love and a sign of peace. I wish that everyone could have this," said Sister Eliana, Superior of the Community who welcomed the Sailors. "If everyone had the feelings of love and peace, then things can change for the better."

Sailors agreed with Eliana in that it is better to give than receive.

"Doing volunteer work is a good opportunity to clear your mind. At the same time, you're giving back to the community," said Engineman 3rd Class Alberto Beltran-Lopez. "It shows that we're not just good Sailors, but also good citizens."

"Doing this project was a great representation of the U.S. Navy helping others in need," said Operations Specialist 3rd Class (AW) Jeneida Vegas.

The community relations project was put together by Quinn and Michael Fuchs who served as Ashland's tour coordinator for the port visit.

The Carmelite Order is a Roman Catholic monastic community founded in Haifa in 1190 A.D. According to tradition, the founders were seeking to lead the same kind of solitary life as Elijah the prophet, who lived in a cave directly below the monastery. For the first 50 years, the order actually occupied the cave. The order has two focuses � Elijah and the Virgin Mary, to whom the monastery was dedicated. The current site was occupied in 1760, and has served as a hospital during wartimes.

"The monastery is a very visible part of the city, at the top of Mount Carmel overlooking the port of Haifa. It's the perfect place to see why people value this land so much," said Quinn. "Helping to make it more beautiful for the people who live here and visit is easy work, really, but I feel like we've made some friends today, too. That's the best part."

Ashland is part of the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group, currently operating in the Navy's 6th Fleet area of operation to support Maritime Security Operations and theater security cooperation efforts.

For more news from Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group, visit www.navy.mil/local/esg8/.