Coastal Riverine Group 1 First Class Petty Officer Association hosted Stu Hedley, a Pearl Harbor survivor aboard Naval Outlying Landing Field in Imperial Beach, April 18.

Hedley is a retired Navy chief petty officer, World War II veteran and Pearl Harbor survivor. During Hedley's visit, he spoke to the Sailors of Coastal Riverine Group 1 about his experiences in the Navy.

The first thing Hedley said to the Sailors was, "I am not a hero. The ones who died that day are the true heroes."

"Sitting in the room as he described Dec. 7, 1942, Pearl Harbor, made me feel as if I had experienced it with him," said Information Systems Technician 3rd Class Dominique Brenner. "He inspired me to make a difference and honor those who have fallen. Hearing the history first hand brings me a whole new meaning to honoring the fallen and serving our country."

On Dec. 7, 2016, the U.S. Navy and nation paused to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbor. The commemoration provided an opportunity to honor the courage, service and sacrifice of the U.S. military personnel present during the attacks.

For many Sailors at CRG-1, Hedley's visit would be a visit they would never forget.

"The pleasure of meeting and spending the day with Mr. Hedley was an amazing experience. The chance to be around living history and hearing first-hand accounts of momentous events in naval history was a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Electronics Technician 1st Class Zachariah Doney.

Also during the visit, Hedley toured the CRG-1's facilities and assets.

"Spending time with Mr. Hedley and hearing his stories was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I'm glad I had the chance to take," said Electronics Technician 1st Class Christopher Demo. "I enjoyed the chance the show him our vessels and how we train today's sailors and to see his reaction."

CRG-1 is the Coastal Riverine Group based in San Diego. Coastal Riverine Force Sailors conduct port and harbor security, high value asset protection, offensive combat operations and maritime security operations in rivers, harbors and coastal waterways.

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For more news from Coastal Riverine Group 1, visit www.navy.mil/.