Sailors assigned to the US Seventh Fleet and USS Blue (LCC 19) participated in a community relations project at Marist Convent School in Lami last week.
About 30 US Navy sailors partnering with the Fijian Navy spent the day with students beautifying the yard through landscape maintenance at the Catholic school.
Among the participants was Rear Admiral Kyle Gantt, the deputy commander of the US Seventh Fleet.
“The US and Fijian navies regularly work together in the maritime domain to preserve security in the waters around this region, but it was particularly special to see our navies also working alongside one another volunteering in the community here in Suva,” Admiral Gant said.
“Our nations share a longstanding friendship rooted in shared values, and I saw that demonstrated by both our sailors at Marist Convent School in Lami today.”
For many of these sailors, the visit was their first opportunity to volunteer overseas.
“The overall experience was awesome, to help and give back,” said Chief Personnel Specialist Thinh Le, assigned to Blue Ridge.
“One of our purposes is to defend our country, but also to build relationships and friendships. It was a memorable moment. It’s always good to show the children, no matter where you’re from, to come together and work towards a goal.”
The sailors’ beautification efforts toward weeding and removing trash at the school did not go unnoticed.
Teacher Sister Kalala Taufa thanked the sailors for their hard work.
“You did a great job! A marvelous job!” Ms Taufa said.
“Thank you so much. You have taken us to another level. Another level! You are all friendly and very approachable. It makes a big difference for us. I will invite you to please come back again.”
The Blue Ridge and US 7th Fleet staff conduct regular Indo-Pacific patrols to deter aggression, strengthen alliances and partnerships, and advance future warfighting capabilities.
