USS George Washington Sailors Visit Korean Senior Center

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Christopher S. Harte, USS George Washington Public Affairs

BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- USS George Washington (CVN 73) and Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 Sailors assisted elderly residents at the Parangsae Noin Geongang Senior Center in Busan, Republic of Korea (ROK) during a port visit July 22.

Before arriving at the center, Cmdr. Brian Haley, command chaplain, offered a few words of encouragement to the volunteers. "Just your being there, smiling and loving is enough to make these people's day."

At the Senior Center, Sailors viewed a slide presentation about the history of the facility, originally established in 1953 to assist poor children. In 2001, the transition was made to caring for sick, elderly citizens. Currently, there are 122 people living in the center.

"It's always a good thing to come and help out," said Airman Janelle Brumbaugh, Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 115. "I believe in giving back to the communities we visit."

"This is one way I show I care about the community and to say thank you for allowing us to visit your great country," said Logistics Specialist 1st Class Budie Sabaot from George Washington.

Sailors also took some of the wheelchair bound residents to visit a small zoo.

"We feel, in a way, we respect our elders, and this would be the best way to show our respect and appreciation for our Korean allies by doing this for their elders," said Electronics Technician Seaman Michael Grier.

Other Sailors cleaned wheelchairs, wiped windows, scrubbed ceilings, wiped bed rails and cleaned walls in the living areas of the center.

"I enjoy helping others," said Ship's Serviceman 1st Class Todd Clifton. "It's addicting for me, and I make sure to do this at every port I visit."

The Navy maintains a robust forward presence in the Asia-Pacific region and George Washington's visit is an example of the strong alliance the U.S. maintains with the ROK. This marks the first port visit for George Washington during its 2010 Western Pacific summer patrol and the second visit to Busan by the ship since October 2008.