Klakring Sailors Make Friends During COMREL in Coquimbo, Chile

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Michael J. Scott, Commander Task group 40.0 Public Affairs

June 19, 2010 - COQUIMBO, Chile (NNS) -- Task Group 40.0 Sailors partnered with the Chilean Navy in a recent community relations (COMREL) project at Padre Alberto Hurtado School in Parte Alta de Coquimbo, Chile June 14, during its 2010 Southern Seas deployment.

COMREL projects are designed to give U.S. Navy Sailors a way to positively interact with citizens of the countries they are visiting. Often times, their work enhances the lives of the recipients of the COMREL projects. The bond forged during theses projects helps to foster friendships and improve relations for generations to come.

"It was an amazing experience to be a part of such a great program," said Naval Air Crewman 3rd Class Amado Vazquez, who served as one of the interpreters for the group. "I really enjoyed it and it was a pleasure for me to use my primary language to communicate."

School Director Omar Rodriguez Valenzuela was delighted to have the U.S. Navy come and help the school.

"The U.S. Navy gave us huge support by coming here and fixing some of the problems we have," said Valenzuela. "Most importantly, the kids can see another culture and meet different people."

The school has 276 students and employs 22 teachers. The children were friendly and eager to learn. They were very excited to get a chance to interact with their new friends from the U.S. Navy.

Crew members spent the day painting, repairing and replacing light fixtures and cutting hair. However, the greatest contribution made was not the work done to the school, but the children's lives they touched.

Sailors talked and played games with the students while upgrading the standards of the building. No one seemed to mind the language barrier and everyone managed to understand each other on a deep and personal level.

During lunch and recess, students challenged the Sailors to a game of soccer. The kids not only outnumbered the crew on the field, they outscored them 6-2. Everyone had a great time and the day left an indelible impression on all who participated.

"We would like to thank the U.S. Navy for coming here today," said Valenzuela. "The kids really enjoyed your visit and will remember this day for a lifetime."

Klakring is on a six-month deployment to South America and the Caribbean as part of Southern Seas 2010, a U.S. Southern Command-directed operation that provides U.S. and international forces the opportunity to operate in a multi-national environment.