Shiloh Sailors Reach Out in Saipan

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kevin V. Cunningham, Commander Task Force 70 Public Affairs

SAIPAN (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh (CG 67) took part in a cultural exchange at the Brilliant Star Montessori School in Saipan, Sept. 25.

"It was a great opportunity to share with the local students who were interested in the Navy," said Lt. Autumn M. Wilson, Shiloh chaplain. "I was surprised at how much they knew about different ships and our life. It was great to see their thirst for more knowledge."

Sailors introduced themselves and spoke about their jobs in the Navy. They presented the students with a slide show of life on the ship and participated in some classroom games.

"This was the highlight of my port visit," said Religious Specialist 3rd Class Curran B. Croft-Greenwell, from Holden, Maine. "It's a great feeling being able to share my life in the Navy with local children and to see their interest.

"We have many outside presenters come visit us here," said Richard Sikkel, the school principal. "But this is the first time any American Sailors have come; we appreciate it and look forward to more visits in the future."

The port visit provided the crew with an operational break after participating in Valiant Shield, a U.S. only exercise integrating 18,000 U.S. Navy, Air Force, Army and Marine Corps personnel.

Fostering diplomatic relations with allies through friendly community interactions in port is part of America's maritime strategy to build a joint coalition force of allies capable of ensuring maritime security.

Shiloh is on deployment in the 7th Fleet area of operations supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.