Stennis Sailors Lend a Hand in Singapore

Story & Photo by MC3 Grant Wamack
CHANGI, Singapore – Sailors from the Nimitz-class air craft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) spent some of their limited liberty time volunteering in the local community Jan. 27 and 28 during a port visit to Singapore.

Twelve Sailors who volunteered for community service activities aboard the ship visited the Boy’s Town of Singapore Jan. 27. Boy’s Town was established in 1948 as a home to displaced and troubled children, as well as boys from families stricken with financial hardships. Throughout the day, Sailors played basketball, soccer and shared an afternoon meal with the children.

“The experience at the Boy’s Town was overwhelming,” said Aviation Technician 3rd Class Jonathon Fox. “I felt honored to be there representing the Navy and be involved in these young men’s lives.”

Another 12 Stennis volunteers lent their time at The Singapore Cheshire Home Day Care Center, a hospice for disabled citizens, Jan. 28. Sailors spent several hours with the residents sharing time, stories and serving meals.

“It was a great experience,” said Damage Controlman 2nd Class (SW/AW) Salena Thomas. `“Everyone was happy and it’s very encouraging to see that even though people have disabilities, they can still overcome their obstacles.”

While community service projects allow Sailors unique opportunities to learn about life in foreign countries; they also build character and demonstrate the values upon which our Navy was founded.

“It shows dedication,” said Navy Counselor Chief (SW/AW) Jean-Hero Lamy, the command career counselor aboard Stennis. “These Sailors are well rounded. They are conscientious, caring and are willing to spend their off time helping others.”

The Stennis is currently conducting Maritime Security Operations and routine training at sea in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations as part of a scheduled seven-month deployment.

Stennis Sailors Honor Vets

Sailors play Yahtzee with a veteran at the Washington Veterans Retirement home, Nov. 11. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Lauryn Cooper/ Released)

Story by MC3 Eboni Cameron

PORT ORCHARD, Wash. – Veterans Day was a day off for the crew of USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), and four Sailors thought about someone else besides getting their free meal at the local mall.

Four Stennis Sailors played board games and shared sea stories with residents at Washington Veterans Retirement Home Nov. 11.

“It’s a huge honor for me to be here on Veterans Day because I’m third generation Navy,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) Airman Apprentice Joseph Hodge, who visits the retirement home almost every Thursday.

Hodge and his shipmates from Air Department pay regular visits to the home throughout the year, but a visit on Veterans Day made it more than just a routine thing.

“It’s special for me to come down and celebrate with these veterans,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Fuels) Airman James Hiatt. “I think it’s important to show them we are appreciative.”

Some of the residents said they too appreciated the visit.

“I am very grateful to have such nice young Sailors take time to come visit old salts like us,” said resident and former Navy Yeoman Cameron Cook, who served during the Vietnam War. “I am proud to be a veteran, and I am proud to have served my country.”

By taking time out of their own liberty and thinking of others, Sailors helped remind veterans that their past service is appreciated and honored.

Haunted Ship Scares Bremerton

LS3 Noel Perry, from Atlanta, and LSSN Samantha Coccetti, from Moyock, N.C., scare victims during The Haunted Ship tour aboard USS Turner Joy (DD 951) on Friday. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kenneth Abbate/Released)

Story by MCSN Justin Johndro

BREMERTON, Wash. – Thirty USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) Sailors volunteered more than 600 hours aboard The Haunted Ship scaring hundreds of kids and adults this Halloween weekend.

The Sailors helped decorate the 52-year-old USS Turner Joy (DD 951), located at the east end of the Bremerton boardwalk, by setting up lights, painting the bulkheads with fake blood and dressing up in costumes to help create a Halloween spirit aboard the Vietnam-era Navy destroyer.

USS Turner Joy Haunted Ship coordinator Desiree Steffens said the tour brought almost 1,000 guests in the course of the weekend.

“It was a great turnout, and Stennis was a huge help,” said Steffens. “Whatever we needed them to do, they did.”

The haunted ship was set up as a fundraiser for USS Turner Joy’s restoration and maintenance, ensuring that the decommissioned Navy ship will continue to be available to tourists as a museum like it has for the past 22 years.

Four-year-old visitor Alyssa Haws said this was her first haunted ship experience.

“I was very scared,” said Alyssa. “The alien part was the scariest.”

Stennis volunteers aboard Turner Joy said doing the scaring was fun. Hospital Corpsman 1st Class (SW/AW) Tammy Lowery said it was an awesome thing to be doing this weekend, and if she can, she’ll do it again next year.

“This is about Sailors providing a community service, and working with the civilians aboard the ship was really fun,” said Lowery. “It’s an honor to help out when I can.”

Steffens, on behalf of Bremerton Historical Ship Association and USS Turner Joy staff, thanked Stennis Sailors for their work and dedication in making the haunted ship a great experience this Halloween.

By participating in this year’s USS Turner Joy’s The Haunted Ship, Stennis Sailors provided a Halloween experience to the local community while raising money for the preservation of a Naval memorial and local tourist attraction.