USS Halsey Makes Guam Port Call, Sailors Volunteer in Community

By JoAnna Delfin, Joint Region Marianas Public Affairs

INARAJAN, Guam (NNS) -- Sailors from Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Halsey (DDG 97) volunteered at Inarajan Elementary School in Inarajan, Guam July 18.

Halsey made a port call to the island after departing their homeport in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, for a deployment to the U.S. 7th Fleet's area of responsibility.

"Whenever the Sailors come, they're somewhat of a treat to the students," said summer school coordinator Jackysha Green. "They provide [students] insight as to their occupation and what they do to serve as military members and they're always gracious to help the kids in any manner."

Sailors discussed their careers with students, helped them with math problems and sat down to learn more about their hobbies and what they want to be when they get older.

"I think they'll take out of it that they can be whatever they want to be," said Seaman Operations Specialist Ashlyn Millsparker. "Seeing us come out and helping people they might want to help people too when they get older."

Millsparker added that volunteering for events allow Sailors to interact with the community and foster their relationships.

"Being hands-on with students, showing them what we do, seeing what they do, you can't explain it, it's unexplainable," she said. "That's why I try as much as I can to do COMRELs all the time."

Green shared Millsparker's sentiments and thanked the Navy for their support of the students.

"The community is aware that they're here for us, they're here to protect us and provide for us opportunities as far as helping us in various needs that we may have," she said. "I'd like to share my sincere appreciation for the Sailors coming down and sharing their experiences with our students.

Sailors also volunteered at a community cleanup with the non-profit organization Island Girl Power and helped care for misplaced pets at the local animal shelter Guam Animals in Need.