Ike Sailors Volunteer at American School of Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (NNS) -- Sailors from the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) volunteered for a community relations project at the American School of Dubai, May 29.

Sailors connected with students through playing sports and other activities to gain a better understanding for other cultures. This is the second time IKE has visited this school and the camaraderie between the Sailors and students was evident throughout the visit.

"My job during these COMRELs is to coordinate it and execute it," said Religious Program Specialist 3rd Class Austin Sims. "I act as a liaison with host nation personnel to set up activities to help Sailors give something back to the community. It's an outreach program to integrate ourselves with the other cultures."

Sailors played basketball with seventh and eighth grade students, who were practicing for a tournament in the United States. Some Sailors and students played basketball, while others participated in rock climbing in the school gymnasium.

"I think it was a great experience that the junior varsity team had the opportunity to play Sailors," said Matthew Beck, high school counselor and assistant basketball coach. "It was a lot of fun, we learned a lot. I think our guys benefited a great deal. We are going to head over to the States soon and we expect the competition to be similar to what we saw today."

"We love you guys and appreciate it every time you come visit us," said Mark Meades, the American School of Dubai recreational director. "The next time IKE comes to Dubai, we expect to have even more activities set up."

Sims has coordinated other COMREL activities in the past. Spending time with the local culture and building relationships in Dubai was something that everyone enjoyed.

"It was different here because we came out and actually interacted with youth and personnel from this region and country," said Sims "We live in different cultural environments so it was neat to mingle and build new friendships. Every COMREL is different."

Visiting the American School of Dubai made a lasting impression for all that attended and many are looking forward to future endeavors similar to this one.

"We certainly appreciate what you guys do," said Beck. "We always enjoy hosting Sailors on campus and you're welcome to come back anytime."

Dwight D. Eisenhower is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility promoting maritime security operations, theater security cooperation efforts and support missions as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn69/ .