Robert G Bradley Conducts COMREL in Freetown

By By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Darryl Wood, Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Africa/ Commander, U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs

SIERRA LEONE, Freetown (NNS) -- Sailors of USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) and Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training (MCAST) Command, participated in an Africa Partnership Station (APS) West community relations (COMREL) in Freetown, Sierra Leone, March 11.

Sailors volunteered at the Christian Faith Rescue Orphanage in Freetown, Sierra Leone, providing assistance through construction projects which included demolition and carpentry.

The three-day COMREL began with U.S. and Sierra Leone Sailors removing walls made of fiber board and branches, and constructing six classrooms to provide an improved learning environment for the 650 children that attend classes at the orphanage.

"I joined the Navy so I could help others. Volunteering my time to help these kids was more than worth it," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Matthew Layton. "I've seen what they have and I feel grateful to be able make a small difference here."

During the COMREL, APS also provided school supplies donations to the orphanage.

"These supplies will help us greatly," said Honorable Reverend Marie Yanseneh, founder of the orphanage. "We receive no government funds and work mostly from donations."

Yanseneh thanked the volunteers for their help and provided a tour of her school to Capt. Susan Dunlap, director of the Africa Regional Engagement Group at U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa.

"The Sailors had a blast helping and playing soccer with the kids," said Dunlap. "I think success of the project is seen on the faces of the kids, and that's what pleases me most of all. We're proud to be helping here."

APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.