Friday, April 30, 2010

Sailors Visit Children's Hospital During Fleet Week Port Everglades


By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Leah Stiles, Fleet Week Media Center

April 30, 2010 - PORT EVERGLADES, Fla. (NNS) -- Sailors from USS Newport News (SSN 750) visited with children from the Joe Dimaggio Children's Hospital April 28 as part of the 20th Anniversary Fleet Week Port Everglades.

The Sailors spent the day visiting several of the different wards to wish the children well and to pass out gifts.

The children grinned as they received stickers and photos of the submarine.

"A little boy and his sister were looking for us as we came down the hallway," said Machinist's Mate 2nd Class (SS) Stephen Lowman. "The little boy was telling us about how he wanted to be on a submarine, it made me feel proud."

The Sailors had the opportunity to do crafts; color pictures and eat lunch with the young children.

"I think it gives them some sense of safety, and a hope of a brighter tomorrow knowing that we're here to protect them," said Machinist Mate 3rd Class (SS) Patrick Gillum.

The hospital visit was part of Fleet Week Port Everglades, South Florida's annual celebration of the maritime services.

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