Bulkeley's Crew Preserves US Sailors' Cemetery in Menorca, Spain

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lauren G. Randall, USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Public Affairs

MENORCA, Spain (NNS) -- Guided-missile destroyer USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) Sailors participated in a community relations (COMREL) project at the Anglo-Americano Cemetery in Menorca, Spain, June 25.

The Anglo-American Cemetery is the resting place of 34 U.S. Sailors who were based in Mahon Harbor and who died working to deter piracy in the 1800s.

"I thought it was really amazing that the cemetery was there," said Ensign Jonathan Niksarian. "It was really heartwarming that another nation takes such great care of our fallen Sailors."

Sailors from Bulkeley helped to clean up the cemetery in preparation for a memorial and wreath laying ceremony, which was attended by Bulkeley Sailors and Vice Adm. Harry B. Harris, commander, U.S. 6th Fleet.

"I enjoy helping out in the communities that we visit during our deployments and learning about the local history," said Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Mechanical) Fireman Gina Derderian. "This COMREL really meant a lot to me. There were many unknown U.S. Sailor graves, and I appreciated hearing the history behind it."

The COMREL consisted of minor upkeep to the cemetery, such as weeding, picking up debris and watering plants. Three walls had fallen a few years ago, and there were still some rocks around the area that needed to be moved.

"It wasn't a difficult COMREL for us," said Niksarian. "The cemetery was very well maintained. We just did some basic preservation and showed our support for the cemetery."

George Ferrara, the vice president of the U.S. Navy League Madrid Council, oversaw the clean up and taught the Sailors about the history of the cemetery and the Sailors buried there.

"I always like to see the U.S. Sailors helping with this cemetery — it is their history," said Ferrara. "I love telling them about the Sailors who came before them, and how much they meant to us here in Menorca."

Bulkeley is deployed as part of the Enterprise Carrier Strike Group, supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. The Enterprise CSG includes aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65); CSG 12; Destroyer Squadron 2; guided-missile cruiser USS Leyte Gulf (CG 55); guided-missile destroyers Bulkeley, USS Barry (DDG 52) and USS Mason (DDG 87); and the eight squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1.