Kauffman Chiefs Revisit, Rekindle Chile Relations
Navy NewsStand
Story Number: NNS090725-10
Release Date: 7/25/2009 8:30:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Brandon Shelander, Southern Seas Public Affairs
ARICA, Chile (NNS) -- Chief petty officers from guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59) completed a community relations (COMREL) project at Escuela General Basica Centenario school in Arica, Chile July 10.
This was the second time Kauffman Sailors have visited Escuela General Basica Centenario in the last 14 months, but this time the children hosted a special welcoming ceremony for the chiefs before work began in recognition of the lasting impression Kauffman made the previous year.
"When I heard Kauffman was returning to Arica, I prayed they would visit us again. We're so happy to have them here. Last year it was a great meeting between us, and they really inspired the children to renew their studies of English," said Janett Penailillo, an English teacher for the school who also coordinated the ceremony.
The ceremony began in the school's inner courtyard with five cultural displays in which students created dioramas, posters and display booths showcasing Chilean animals, food, architecture and cultural clothing. Accompanying each display was an English language student to translate for the chiefs and help them learn more about the local culture.
"I appreciate the effort I know the children put into the displays and the fact I could tell they were proud of their work. I believe they were proud because they wanted us to come and take a look and wanted to talk with us about the displays, and they were prepared to do just that. They knew also what to expect from us, as last year we showed them the courtesy and respect in giving our time to them, and in appreciation they took time to prepare for our visit," said Senior Chief Sonar Technician Surface (SW/IUSS) Anthony Beggs.
Soon after the festivities began, Cmdr. Dale Maxey, Kauffman's commanding officer, other crew members and the country team arrived and were ceremoniously escorted to the school's stage for a performance by the school drum-band and several Chilean folk-dances.
"The reception by the staff and students was overwhelming in its warmth and openness," said Maxey. "The band, the dancers and the students were all superb and excited to spend some time with our Sailors. It is clear that Kauffman has formed a special bond with the Escuela Centenario students, and we look forward to continuing this relationship in the future."
After the students and faculty had a chance to officially welcome the Kauffman crew, the chiefs got to work repainting the exterior of the school.
"The children are the future," said Kauffman's Command Master Chief (SW/AW/SS) David Graham. "The act of repainting a school is short term but the memories those bright young students have will last a lifetime. It was amazing to see all the energy and pride they put into a ceremony to welcome us back to their school. The benefit went both ways. We came to help and their kindness rejuvenated us. As I looked around at my chiefs, all I could see was astonishment. The act of giving out of one's self not out of necessity but rather sincerity is a beautiful thing."
Kauffman is on a four-month deployment to Central and South America as part of Southern Seas 2009 in support of U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM)'s Partnership of the Americas strategy. Southern Seas is an annual deployment that focuses on conducting exercises, military to military engagements, and theater security cooperation engagements enhance relationships with partner nations in the region. This year's deployment includes Kauffman, USS Doyle (FFG 39), USS Ford (FFG 54), and is executed by DESRON 40 as Commander, Task Group 40.0.
For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command, visit www.navy.mil/local/cusns/.
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