Reagan CSG Sailors, Marines Help Bahrain Schools

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin Gray and Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kyle Carlstrom

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Sailors and Marines assigned to USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 7 participated in community relations projects at the Regional Institute for Active Learning (RIA) and Bahrain Mobility International (BMI) in Bahrain, May 23 and 24.

Sailors and Marines from Reagan, embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14, and guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) volunteered their time during a scheduled port visit to help tutor students in conversational English and mathematics, renovate buildings and play games with the children during recess.

"These community relations projects are a way for us to extend a hand of friendship," said Lt. Evan Adams, Chancellorsville's command chaplain. "It is a way for us to learn about the culture and show a gesture of appreciation for allowing us to be a part of their commerce and society."

For the crew members who volunteered, the experience of giving back was rewarding and meaningful.

"It was an outstanding opportunity," said Aviation Electronics Technician 1st Class William Vega. "It's always important to give back. Sometimes we take for granted what we have and if we brightened up their day a little bit more; it was worth it."

Sailors and Marines visited RIA and BMI. RIA specializes in the academic and social development of children with autism and serves both Bahraini and expatriate students, while BMI provides physically disabled individuals with social and recreational activities.

"This is a great way to show what type of ambassadors of the United States we can be," said Gas Turbine System Technician (Mechanical) 2nd Class Joshua Elliott. "Getting to interact with the children and introducing them to another culture they may not experience again was a lot of fun."

The staff expressed appreciation for the crew's volunteer efforts.

"It helps out in many ways," said Eugenia Augustine, a teacher at RIA. "For the children, it's fun when the Navy comes in. Sailors take over for the teachers and do a little bit of spelling, reading and drawing and have fun with the children. They've [done] a good job. The children [felt] happy at the end of the day that they had something different. All of them love it when the Navy comes to visit; the children wait for them."

"Some of the kids in our school are very shy and they can't open up," said Anne Wilson, a teacher at RIA. "When new people come into the classroom, it helps the children to interact and communicate more, and builds their confidence."

The Ronald Reagan CSG is comprised of USS Ronald Reagan, guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, which includes USS Preble (DDG 88). Embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 14 includes the "Black Knights" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 154, the "Argonauts" of VFA-147, the "Blue Diamonds" of VFA-146, the "Death Rattlers" of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 323, the "Black Eagles" of Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 113, the "Cougars" of Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (VAQ) 139, the "Providers" of Carrier Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 30 and the "Black Knights" of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 4.

Ronald Reagan CSG is conducting maritime security operations and missions as part of Operations Enduring Freedom and New Dawn, while deployed in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility.