Photo By Seaman Michael Prusiecki | BREMERTON, Wash. (Feb. 28, 2018) Hosptial Corpsman 3rd Class Arindell Hodge, a Sailor...... read more read more
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A slight wind, rain showers and the absence of sunlight. The temperature was cold and the breeze rolling off the sprawling lakefront gave an invigorating and crisp chill. All around, Sailors could be seen working diligently to upgrade the condition of the surrounding area.
Giving back to the community is an important and frequently employed aspect of the Navy’s mission. Each year, Sailors assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) are given dozens of opportunities to use their liberty time and hours to build community relations to garner further support and facilitate positive interactions with the populous of the Bremerton area.
“Community service projects, or COMSERV, provide an unparalleled opportunity for Sailors to interact with the community in a positive way, learn new skills, meet new friends, and raise the profile of the command,” said Lt. Cmdr. Robert Mills, a chaplain onboard Nimitz.
One such opportunity took place on Feb. 28, when Nimitz Sailors participated in a landscaping and cleaning project at Wildcat Lake Park in Bremerton. Coordinated by the religious ministries department, a group of 10 Sailors spent the day picking up trash, raking leaves, cleaning up broken tree branches and organizing the park structures with hopes of creating a safe environment for the people of the community.
“We do these events to build relations with the local community so we’re seen as more than just a military presence,” said Religious Program Specialist Seaman Jackson Hamstra from Tuscan, Arizona. “We care and we’re here to help out, and I believe it’s important to get out and be around the public.”
Now that Nimitz is in dry dock for a long maintenance and availability period, a steady schedule and additional free time provides ample opportunities for Sailors to help out whenever possible.
Wildcat Lake Park is just one of many projects that Nimitz Sailors can participate in during Nimitz’s docking planned incremental availability. Potential future Nimitz COMSERV opportunities includes Habitat for Humanity, Kitsap Build, Washington Veterans Homes, women’s shelters and food banks.
Aside from getting a break from the normal routine, participating in a community event further progresses the Navy’s mission at home. Projecting a positive image and giving back is essential to upholding the Navy’s core values.
“Being a part of the community is more than just vocally supporting it. Although our time here is temporary, it’s vitally important to actively contribute and take part in the community that you live in,” said Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Joseff Palo, a volunteer from Kodiak, Alaska.
Damp from the steady drizzle, slightly dirty and hauling large bags of trash and debris, Sailors left the park knowing they took part in a noble and worthy cause. So whether there is wind, rain, or cold weather that is characteristic of the Pacific Northwest climate, Nimitz Sailors will continue to give back and improve the community where they reside, one COMSERV at a time.
Nimitz is conducting a docking planned incremental availability at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility where the ship will receive scheduled maintenance and upgrades.
| Date Taken: | 02.28.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 03.09.2018 19:23 |
| Story ID: | 268899 |
| Location: | BREMERTON, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 370 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Beautifying Bremerton: Nimitz Sailors Help Keep Community Clean, by SN Michael Prusiecki, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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