Military

USS Georgia Conducts Community Relations Projects in Bahrain

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091019-01
Release Date: 10/19/2009 2:24:00 PM

By Yeoman 1st Class Owen Fitzgerald, USS Georgia Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Sailors from the Ohio-class submarine USS Georgia (SSGN 729) (Blue) participated in two community relations (COMREL) projects Sept. 27-28, during their recent port visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain.

While in port, Georgia Sailors volunteered for landscaping and refurbishment projects as well as repairing and constructing playground equipment for students at the Regional Institute for Active Learning (RIA) School in Adliya, and at the Alia School in Sitra.

"Our Sailors demonstrated that they are willing to make a difference in the global community," said Capt. Brian A. McIlvaine, Georgia's commanding officer (Blue). "As the people of Bahrain were so welcoming and friendly, it was great to be able to participate and contribute to both schools."

Sonar Technician (Submarine) 1st Class William Woodruff was thankful for the opportunity to conduct his first community relations project in Bahrain. "The importance of conducting COMREL projects is to meet people in the local community and show that U.S. Navy Sailors care," he said.

"It was really great to see our Sailors having a good time in Bahrain and helping out the local community," said Lt. Cmdr. Noel Gonzales, Georgia's executive officer (Blue). "Its part of our Navy traditions to give back to the communities we work in."

Georgia is homeported at Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay Georgia and is currently operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet Area of Responsibility.