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USS Higgins Sailors Volunteer in Bahrain
Story Number: NNS130701-03
7/1/2013

By Ensign Kara Lynn Yingling, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

MANAMA, Bahrain (NNS) -- Sailors from guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins (DDG 76) volunteered at the Regional Institute for Active Learning school in Adliya, Bahrain, June 19.

Sailors spent time socializing with children, assisting students with class work and interacting with children during recess.

"Playing with the children allowed us to have a positive impact on the Bahrain community. Helping others is something the Navy has reinforced in all of us as Sailors," said Ensign John Haddad.

While at the school, Sailors participated in a morning dance class with the children who ranged from three to 17 years old, before splitting up into smaller groups. The Sailors then helped the children in the classroom by playing games and teaching numbers.

"It was really nice just being around children. It is something we do not get to do very often with our schedule," said Ensign Twyla Odume, the ship's gunnery officer.

Fire Controlman 1st Class Michael Allen was thankful for the opportunity to spend time giving back to the community in Bahrain.

"I liked how much the children enjoyed having us there," he said. "We showed up and the kids took to us instantly. It felt good to interact with them."

While in port, Higgins Sailors also volunteered at Bahrain Mobility International, a recreation and rehabilitation center for individuals who suffer from physical disabilities. They cleaned up the center's natatorium, removing debris and dust from a recent sand storm.

"We try to get our Sailors involved in several different activities when we pull into Bahrain for a port visit," said Commanding Officer Cmdr. Nicole Shue. "Volunteering not only gives back to the host nation but also provides our Sailors a way to use their talents to help others and come away with a new experience and a sense of accomplishment."

Higgins is currently deployed as part of Nimitz Carrier Strike Group to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions for Operation Enduring Freedom.

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