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thedrifter
04-10-07, 07:12 PM
Marines, sailors from Essex ARG participate in community-outreach activities

Stars and Stripes Korea bureau
Pacific edition, Wednesday, April 11, 2007

More than 90 sailors and Marines from the Essex Amphibious Ready Group engaged in community-outreach activities Friday and Saturday in South Korea.

Servicemembers from the USS Essex planted trees at an orphanage in Busan, while those from the USS Juneau performed maintenance at a rehabilitation center in the same city.

USS Tortuga personnel visited a junior high school in Chinhae and later cleaned a children’s home.

The Essex and Juneau were in Busan for a port visit, while the Tortuga was in Chinhae, having just wrapped up its involvement in the annual Reception, Staging, Onward Movement and Integration exercise.

“As the U.S. Navy, we pride ourselves on working closely not only with our military counterparts but also with members of the community,” Lt. Cmdr. Myung B. Kim, chaplain, was quoted as saying in a Navy release. “We have a great appreciation for the Republic of Korea in being such gracious hosts and loyal allies that working to better their communities is our way of honoring our well-founded relationship.”

According to the release, those who benefited from the outreach activities appreciated the efforts of the sailors and Marines involved. “We really appreciate and enjoy visits like this to our school,” said Gea Su-ann, vice principal of the junior high school. “The students enjoyed their time with the sailors and welcome Tortuga back.”

Ellie