USA: Nimitz-Class Supercarrier Wins Awards

USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) outperformed all other large sea-based commands in the mid-Atlantic region for the second consecutive year earning two ship awards for their community relations projects (COMRELs) Oct 6.

The Environmental Stewardship Flagship award and the Personal Excellence Partnership Flagship award were presented to TR for its exemplary voluntary community service activities the crew participated in during the last fiscal year. More than 659 Sailors have volunteered 2,445 man-hours of their personal time to more than 100 COMRELs within the local community.

“The goal of TR’s community relations (COMREL) program is to allow Sailors to put the Navy core values into action through service to others,” said Lt. Cmdr. Allen, TR’s Chaplain.

The Environmental Stewardship Flagship recognizes the best year-round volunteer supported program or special project that promotes education and good stewardship of environmental resources. Among the community service initiatives undertaken by the participating commands were clean-up events, recycling initiatives, tree plantings, and educational courses to promote environmental awareness.

TR Sailors participated in “Clean the Station Day.” This semi-annual event is an effort in support of Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic’s vision of “Clean it up, green it up and keep it up.” They spent hours raking, sweeping, collecting debris and beautifying the base. Sailors also showed their strong spirit of service on a weekly basis by volunteering at the Hoffler Creek Wildlife Foundation and assisting the Norfolk Zoological Society.

The Personal Excellence Partnership Flagship award recognizes commands that excel in the project’s goal of improving scholastic achievements, social and life skills and providing vocational guidance.

Throughout the year, many Sailors donated time at the USO concession stands in Hampton Coliseum for events such as Disney on Ice, USO Holiday Party, Eagle Winter Fest Concert, WWE Wrestling, and Jazz Festival. TR Sailors also partnered with BC Charles Elementary School, Jenkins Elementary School, Stanford Elementary School, and Sewells Point Elementary School. Sailors helped with field days, book fairs, career days, reading to the students, cleaning and painting.

“It is very important that we continue to extend our time and talent in supporting the surrounding community through community relations projects and represent the Navy in a positive light,” said Allen.

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Source: navy, October 16, 2011