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Sailors Support Local Community While Deployed to El Salvador

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080805-15
Release Date: 8/5/2008 3:53:00 PM

From Forward Operating Location Comalapa Public Affairs

COMALAPA, El Salvador (NNS) -- Personnel and Sailors deployed to Forward Operating Location (FOL), with Patrol Squadron 40, Sea Operations Detachment and Consolidated Maintenance Organization 10, volunteered their time and skills during a local community relations project July 25.

Volunteers worked together to build two houses in nearby San Rafael and Los Angeles. The Sailors mixed sand, rocks and cement together, and then transported it to the foundation of certain parts of the houses.

U.S. Coast Guard Sailors work seven days a week on their 30-day deployment at the FOL, but Coast Guard Avionics Electrical Technician 2nd Class Monica Gibson said even though today was her day off, there was no other place she would rather be than assisting a family in need

"This is an amazing experience. Being able to lend a hand fills the heart. Knowing someone less fortunate and from a few hours of hard work on our part can make a difference in someone's lives, you just can't get a better feeling than that," said Gibson.

Operations Specialist 3rd Class Tasha Newton from Sea Operations Detachment also spent time at the event.

"Helping out here in El Salvador is such a big blessing to me. Giving back to those less fortunate is an experience unable to be described with words. I'm very thankful and happy to be here to lift the spirits of those in need of a helping hand in their community. I couldn't possibly thank of a better way to spend my days. I've made great friends with the people here, and all I can do is smile," said Newton.

Chief Yeoman (SW/AW) Byron L. Shambley is the FOL Comalapa, administrative officer and very active in the command community relations program.

"I enjoy helping people and always look forward in participating in these Habitat for Humanity Projects," Shambley said.

FOL Comalapa's primary mission is to provide logistical support to aerial counter-drug aircraft and their crews from U.S. military and government law enforcement organizations and to promote Theater Security Cooperation (TSC) like community relations projects in the El Salvador area. TSC also includes military-to-military interaction and bilateral training opportunities.

The FOL is under operational control of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command (NAVSO)/U.S. 4th Fleet. As the Navy component commander for U.S. Southern Command, NAVSO/4th Fleet oversees maritime operations throughout Latin America, including exercises and deployments, counter illicit trafficking support, and TSC events.

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