USA: JCS CSG Serves Community in Malaysia

Sailors from John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCS CSG) departed Port Klang, Malaysia Sept. 8 following a four-day port visit.

During the port visit, Sailors volunteered in five community outreach projects at local shelters and group homes.

“Projects like these can have a profound impact on how we are perceived by the Malaysian people,” said Rear Adm. Craig Faller, commander, JCS CSG. “Simple acts of kindness now can have effect long after we have sailed.”

During the community outreach projects, Sailors from USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74), USS Mobile Bay (CG 53), USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) and USS Dewey (DDG 105) donated supplies and spent time entertaining and interacting with local citizens.

“[Community outreach] projects are extremely important because it helps us to better understand the community that we’re in and it helps them to better understand us,” said Gas Turbine System Technician (Electrical) 3rd Class Glenna Rankin, a USS Mobile Bay Sailor who volunteered at Rumah Juara children’s home Sept. 6. “I think it’s a wonderful experience.”

Sailors also provided distinguished visitors with tours of the ship and hosted a reception for foreign dignitaries and military officials from various countries.

JCS CSG has additional community outreach efforts slated for upcoming ports, in an effort to build and strengthen international relations.

“I think the most important thing about us getting out and helping the community is that you can see it in the people’s faces,” said Capt. Ron Reis, commanding officer, John C. Stennis. “They are ecstatic. They have an opportunity to interface with our Sailors and that interaction is positive.”
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Source: navy, September 12, 2011;