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GW Carrier Strike Group Sailors Volunteer for Aussie Wildlife
Story Number: NNS090707-17
Release Date: 7/7/2009 4:36:00 PM
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Jeffrey Stewart, USS George Washington Public Affairs
FREMANTLE, Australia (NNS) -- A group of George Washington Carrier Strike Group Sailors performed maintenance and upkeep at an animal rehabilitation center July 4 as part of a community relations (COMREL) project.
Elements of the strike group, including aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 and USS Cowpens (CG 63) were in Fremantle and Perth for a scheduled five-day port visit.
Twelve Sailors volunteered to provide restoration services at the Native Animal Rehabilitation Centre (Native ARC) in Fremantle, which provides care for injured animals.
"Participating in Navy-sponsored COMRELS gives me a chance to visit and interact with the locals," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 1st Class (AW) Argentin Fils-Aime, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 195.
"I'm definitely glad to help out."
In addition to clearing out bird cages, painting and erecting a temporary fence, the Sailors also got an opportunity to see and interact with some local Australian wildlife. The project was just one of 14 different COMRELs scheduled during George Washington's port visit to Fremantle and nearby Perth with more than 300 Sailors participating.
COMRELS are an integral part of the U.S. Navy's mission. While training exercises focus on cooperative military relations, COMRELS focus on building bonds of trust and friendship with the communities that the George Washington Carrier Strike Group visits.
"This is my first COMREL," said Aviation Maintenance Administrationman 1st Class (AW) Paul Spears, a member of Electronic Attack Squadron 136. "I think it's a positive thing to help out, and it beats just hanging out in the bars."
For more news from USS George Washington, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn73/.
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