U.S. Navy Sailors Volunteer at Canadian Community Center

By Ensign Andrew Long, USS Halsey Public Affairs

VICTORIA, British Columbia (NNS) -- Sailors from guided-missile destroyers USS Halsey (DDG 97) and USS Sterett (DDG 104) volunteered to clean and paint a community center May 2 during a port visit to Esquimalt, British Columbia.

Crew members cleaned the grounds and facilities of the community center operated by the Burnside Gorge Community Association.

"We were able to mow the lawns, remove weeds and debris, and paint three classrooms," said Operations Specialist 1st Class Lisa Capell, community relations coordinator for Halsey.

"After we finished, the facility looked like really nice. It looked like we accomplished a week's worth of work," said one of the volunteers, Electrician's Mate 1st Class Jessica A. Henry.

"It is an absolute privilege to be received in a foreign port and contribute to the local community in meaningful ways," said Cmdr. Jordy Harrison, Halsey commanding officer. We have a motivated and talented crew that loves to volunteer at every opportunity."

"It is very important to have volunteers offer their services and expertise in the way the sailors did," said Simeon Goa, a custodian for Burnside Gorge. "With volunteers, positive changes are possible and can assist in creating a better working environment and a sense of connection with the community and abroad."

Halsey and Sterett are homeported in San Diego, and are scheduled to operate with the Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group later this year.