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Whidbey Island, 22nd MEU Lend Helping Hands in Crete

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110729-30
7/29/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Rachael L. Leslie, USS Whidbey Island Public Affairs

CHANIA, Crete (NNS) -- Deployed Sailors and Marines aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Whidbey Island (LSD 41) wrapped up an 11-day scheduled maintenance availability during a port visit to Chania, Crete, July 21.

The crew participated in two community relations projects while in Chania, rehabilitating the Ecclesiastical School of Chania and the Girl Scout Center of Chania over a three-day period.

"This type of event shows the true volunteer spirit of the American Sailors and Marines," said Paul Farley, public affairs officer at Naval Air Station Souda Bay. "I think it's important for the community to see one more positive aspect of our presence."

The nearly 70 volunteers spent the first two days finishing up a month-long project at the Ecclesiastical School of Chania, which houses between 50-60 boys in grades 7-12 who are considering entering service in the Orthodox Church. During previous weeks, Sailors and Marines deployed aboard USS Mesa Verde (LPD 19), and USS Monterey (CG 61), also worked at the school.

The project involved clearing the school grounds of overgrown shrubbery and debris. Volunteers also repaired cracked and crumbling sections of walls and the ceiling and painted the interior of the main building and classrooms.

"These events are great because they help to build team spirit between the blue and green sides, and to show the community how deeply we do care," said 1st Sgt. Charles McDew, company first sergeant of the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit's (MEU) Easy Company. "I hope the Sailors and Marines who participated in these events took away from the experience what it means to do something for someone expecting nothing in return."

During the third day of community service events, the Whidbey Island team spent the day working on the grounds outside Chania's 60-year-old Girl Scout Center.

"Crete has a long and happy history with the Navy and with America," said Danai Malinaki, senior scout leader at the center. "We thank you all for your generosity and for all your help. The girls will be very excited to have so much room to play when school starts again in the fall."

The Whidbey Island is deployed as part of the Bataan Amphibious Ready Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility.