Truman Chiefs, First Classes Clean Up USS Wisconsin

NORFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Chief petty officers (CPO) and first class petty officers assigned to aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) participated in a community relations (COMREL) project on board the floating museum USS Wisconsin (BB 64) April 12.

Wisconsin is a decommissioned Iowa-class battleship that earned five battle stars during World War II.

Twelve chiefs and first class petty officers undertook the restoration of a CPO berthing on board Wisconsin.

"It's great to be out here giving back with my brothers and sisters as well as the first class mess," said Chief Machinist's Mate Alexander Myers. "Being able to restore a ship with so much history is special because we are preserving memories."

Myers said time spent giving back to the community is time well spent.

"Any time our ship wants to do something like this I'll be here," said Myers. "COMRELs are rewarding to all those involved. They benefit the community, the Navy and your career."

According to Chief Cryptologic Technician (Technical) Deirdre Parker, CPO 365 community service committee chairman aboard Truman, her team dedicated more than four hours to the restoration project, starting with the 22-year accumulation of dust that blanketed the majority of the berthing.

"It is amazing to see how dusty it is, but it feels good to be here,' said Parker. "You can really see the ship coming back to what it once was."

Parker said that the cleaning was enlivened by the discovery of trinkets left behind by the crew.

"There are little pieces of life everywhere," said Parker. "We found a good conduct ribbon, a watch bill in a locker and even a handwritten note."

Myers said that ultimately it was a rewarding experience that benefitted the participants, the community and future visitors of the Wisconsin.

"Taking part in this cleanup effort is a way for me to show my appreciation for Navy history and those who came before me while also giving back to the community. Thousands of people tour this ship, and knowing I had a hand in its restoration gives me an added sense of pride," said Myers.

Parker stressed the importance of Sailors maintaining a strong relationship with the community in which they live and serve.

"It feels really good to be here and have this opportunity," said Parker. "COMRELs provide a great opportunity to show our appreciation to the community for all they do for us. Truman has a great reputation in the community, and we are reinforcing that reputation."

CPO 365 is the Navy's established training program to prepare first class petty officers for the duties and responsibilities of a chief petty officer.

For more news from USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn75/.