Wasp Sailors Give Back at Halifax Elementary School

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (SW) Rebekah Adler, USS Wasp Public Affairs

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia (NNS) -- USS Wasp (LHD 1) Sailors took a break from celebrating the Canadian navy's 100th birthday in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for a community relations (COMREL) event at St. Catherine's elementary school June 26.

Approximately 35 Sailors from U.S. ships participating in the Canadian Naval Centennial and International Fleet Review week volunteered, including Sailors from Wasp, USS Barry (DDG 52), USS Boone (FFG 28), and USS Gettysburg (CG 64), as well as a contingent of British and Canadian Sailors to perform yard work and provide much-needed repairs to the school.

For five hours Sailors worked on various projects for the school. They spread mulch for the playground and sod for the 3,500-foot soccer field, planted a vegetable garden, and built picnic tables.

"This project alone saved us $13,000, however, the value of the community spirit today was incalculable," said St. Catherine's Principal Richard Duribe. "We're absolutely thrilled to have the Sailors here. We are proud of our school and the international connections we have made."

The event gave Sailors a chance to bond with the community and to give something back to their host city. Teachers and parents of the students were eager to meet the service members and were impressed with the hard work they performed for the school. During the event, many of them came out to provide refreshments and lunch for the crew.

"Any COMREL is important because it gives our Sailors a wonderful outlet to be productive and gives the community an opportunity to see the military in a role they may not necessarily see them in. It helps foster relationships with other countries," said Cmdr. Dean Hoelz, Wasp command chaplain.

"I thought the St. Catherine's COMREL was interesting, but I liked that we helped the children [by making] a new playground," said Fire Controlman 1st Class (SW/AW) Sabrina Anderson, from Wasp. "I hope they enjoy it."

Sailors welcomed the change of pace from their busy shipboard schedule and enjoyed the exchange with Canadian and British forces.

"It's great to get all of the forces together and do something out of your core work week to give something back to the community, and to meet military members from different countries. Although we are different, we have many similarities," said HMS Liverpool Sailor, Leading Seaman William Macleod, a Glasgow, Scotland native.

"COMREL projects help us join better as a team, and it helps us get closer and create partnerships with other navies," said Quartermaster 2nd Class Jesse Glover of USS Barry (DDG 52).

Glover added that, not only does he enjoy working with the other militaries, but he is glad to be able to help. He said he looks forward to participating in projects like these in every port he visits.

"It's a good time to get out in the community, to do some outreach and get to learn about different cultures. I'd rather do this than go to a bar. At least I'm doing something good for the community," he said.

The service members performed a volunteer service, and unexpectedly received a bonus in return. At the conclusion of the event, Principal Duribe handed each Sailor an "A Plus" pin, something he rewards his students for earning good grades, to show his appreciation for their hard work.

Wasp is participating in the Canadian Naval Centennial and International Fleet Review Week (CNC/IFR) that began on June 25 and concludes July 2. Wasp Sailors and Marines, including embarked Carrier Strike Group 2, Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 22, and 3rd Battalion 2nd Marines are participating in various cultural and sporting events during the visit aimed at strengthening relationships and the strong bilateral and multilateral ties shared between the Canadian navy and its allies.