Gold Eagle Sailors Renovate Community Center

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (NNS) -- Sailors stationed aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) volunteered June 24-25 to assist in making upgrades to the Mount Gilead Baptist Church community center in Williamsburg, Va.

"Gold Eagle" Sailors donated more than 39,000 hours to the local community during 2008 alone.

"This was my first [community relations] project," said Aviation Ordnanceman Daniel Snyder, a member of the ship's religious ministries department (RMD). "I had so much fun working with the people from the Williamsburg community; I will definitely volunteer in future COMRELS."

Volunteers cut grass, pruned small trees and bushes, raked leaves and painted the outreach center.

"It's really great to be able to step back and see the fruits of our labor," said Aviation Ordnanceman 3rd Class Joshua Horton. "I feel good knowing that what we're doing is going to benefit so many children and their families."

Lt.j.g. Marlin Williams, command chaplain, explained that participation in community relations events helps Sailors grow personally and professionally.

"Being involved in the local communities through COMREL's does several things," said Williams. "As a Navy unit, it allows us to pull together as shipmates outside of the command and truly exhibit the "One team, One fight" motto.

"As an individual, it gives each one of us involved a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that is different from our normal day-to-day job. This is all part of being a well-rounded Navy professional."

For more news from USS Carl Vinson, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn70/.