Sea services give back to community during Fleet Week

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Patrick A. Gordon, Fleet Week New York Public Affairs

NEW YORK (NNS) -- Sea service members assisted Habitat for Humanity New York City at Staten Island to provide helping hands to complete an extensive single-family home renovation project, May 22

"It's really exciting to have all these service members volunteering today," said Frances Hardy, Habitat for Humanity New York City's Faith and Community Relations Associate. "This is our second year hosting Fleet Week volunteers. Our site staff said last year's event was probably one of our best volunteer days they've experienced, so being able to work with these military volunteers again means that we're going to have another great volunteer day."

Before work began, site supervisor Caleb Porter informed the volunteers that the house they would be working on had been vacant for 16 years and fallen into disrepair before Habitat for Humanity New York City purchased the home from the New York City Housing Authority. After gutting the interior, the organization worked diligently to make the home livable once again.

"Four months ago this house was nothing," Porter explained. "Since then, we've got it to where it is today. Thanks to you guys, we'll be even closer to finishing so a family can move in within a couple of months."

The project is one of more than 380 homes Habitat for Humanity New York has built or significantly rehabilitated in New York City's five boroughs. The organization provided much needed relief to families affected by Hurricane Sandy in late 2012 by rehabilitating more than 50 in Staten Island and the coastal areas of Brooklyn.

"Habitat really believes that it is our job to empower families, and just giving homes away isn't empowering," said Hardy. "Instead, we work in partnership with our families to help them achieve their dreams of safe, decent and affordable housing. We believe in giving families a hand up, not a hand out. All of this is made possible by our the affordable State of New York Mortgage Agency mortgage product we offer, and the great support we have from government partners, donors, and volunteers like today's Fleet Week volunteers."

The sea service volunteers worked side-by-side with Habitat site supervisors who guided them through the renovations they would be completing. Except for a lunch break, the crew worked a full day to install tiles and floor molding, build cabinets, and paint rooms of the house.

"It's great to be doing something that will really help the community," said Fire Controlman (SW) Eric Forbes, of USS Stout (DDG 55). "I volunteered because I actually wanted to do this. It's nice to be able to enjoy New York, but at the same time, give back. And we've been doing a lot of good around here. We came out to do whatever was asked of us, and we're going to make sure it gets done."

Fleet Week New York, now in its 27th year, is the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.

Boy Scouts, service members work out during Fleet Week New York

By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd Class Christopher Pratt, Fleet Week New York Public Affairs

NEW YORK (NNS) -- Boys Scouts and service members from the Navy, Marine Corps and the Coast Guard met for an early-morning workout on the steps of the U.S. Custom House during Fleet Week New York (FWNY), May 23.

Cpl. Charles Taylor, a Charlie Company 1/6 Marine attached to USS San Antonio (LPD 17), led the group in a number of different exercises, while providing insight on proper nutrition and military life.

"I had a great time meeting all the kids," said Taylor. "When I was a Boy Scout, I never got an opportunity to do something like this. I think it's awesome that we got to come out here and visit with them. I hope I have a chance to do something like this again."

Afterward, Lt. Cmdr. Kevin B. Saunders, chief of enforcement for the U.S. Coast Guard, gave Boy Scout Brandon Brown, of Troop 540, and Tiger Scout Jacob Fenster, of Pack 118, a field promotion to lieutenant and lieutenant junior grade, respectively.

"Inspiring and motivating," said Saunders. "Our youth is very important to us. They are the next generation - we all need to do our part to help them develop into good citizens and strong leaders."

Seaman Apprentice Sonia Sanchez, a USS Barry (DDG 52) Sailor, was one of many service members who worked out with the group.

"It's cool to see (the kids') faces light up when they see us," she said. "I'm so glad I had a chance to come out into the community and see how excited people are to meet us - it's definitely not the normal Navy day. Hopefully they all learned something today that they can use to benefit their health and life."

Fleet Week New York, now in its 27th year, is the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services. It is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services. The weeklong celebration has been held nearly every year since 1984.

Navy, Marine Corps hold joint aviation event during Fleet Week New York

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Brian McNeal, Fleet Week New York Public Affairs

NEW YORK (NNS) -- In the air and on the ground, Sailors and Marines dazzled a crowd of nearly 6,000 visitors with a variety of troop insertions and flyovers during an aviation demonstration at Eisenhower Park as part of Fleet Week New York (FWNY), May 23.

The demonstration kicked into high-gear as three MH-60S Seahawks from Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 9 descended into the park at more than 40 knots then quickly pulled into a hover. Seconds later, members of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Mobile Unit 12 performed a fast-rope insertion, demonstrating their capability of getting into a situation quickly and efficiently.

After the helicopters landed and powered down, the crowd of excited onlookers took photos and toured the aircraft and met with the aviation team and EOD members.

"I really liked the helicopters," said 9-year-old Katie Burke. "The best part was I got to sit in the back of the helicopter. If I were in the Navy, I would want to be a pilot and rescue people."

The demonstration at Eisenhower Park was just one of several during FWNY. For EOD Technician 3rd Class Joseph Smith, this was his favorite.

"Actually, being able to fast rope for the crowd is the best part. It's fun, but kind of dangerous and really gets the adrenaline pumping. There's nothing better than that!"

Fleet Week continues to be an unparalleled opportunity for sea-service members and citizens to meet and share experiences.

"Talking with the kids and everyone is magical ... they love us," said Smith. "It's like we are celebrities here."

Following the Navy Seahawk's departure, Marine Corps aircraft thundered overhead.

Attack helicopters simulated clearing a landing zone (LZ), then an MV-22 Osprey tiltrotor aircraft inserted Marines who quickly swarmed the LZ and took up defensive positions - much to the delight of the crowd.

Throughout the demonstration, kids donned helmets, tactical vests and other equipment. However, the many military veterans in attendance incorporated the day into their personal Memorial Day observances.

"I miss the action," said Larry Jorgenson, a Marine Corps veteran. "I wanted to come out and support the troops and have a good time. Events like today are all I need to celebrate Memorial Day."

Fleet Week New York, now in its 27th year, is the city's time-honored celebration of the sea services. The weeklong celebration is an unparalleled opportunity for the citizens of New York and the surrounding tri-state area to meet Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, as well as witness firsthand the latest capabilities of today's maritime services.