Sailors assigned to aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) (Ike) participated in a community outreach event during a port call at the American Cultural Education Center (ACEC) in Manama, Bahrain, Aug. 14.

ACEC is a school which teaches Bahraini youth English and American culture to prepare them to attend a western school.

"I really enjoyed working with the students," said Religious Program Specialist 2nd Class Johnathan Hurkmans, who participated in the event. "It's nice to get to interact with people from other cultures. I hope the students liked learning from us as much as we enjoyed speaking with them."

The Sailors visited Bahraini students in different phases of their English education, with one class newer to English and two intermediate groups. They talked with students about themselves, their homes and their jobs in the Navy. Interacting with the Sailors presented the opportunity for the children to practice what they have learned by discussing American customs and culture.

"It was a good chance for us to be part of something bigger than ourselves, to show we're more than just a fighting force; we're a global presence that cares and is here to help," Hurkmans said. "Projects like this lead to a mutual understanding between cultures, and are a great way for people who would normally never speak to understand each other on a human level."

"This has been a great opportunity for our students," said Zimra Elliot, an instructor at ACEC. "They were all very interested in having volunteers teach them about American culture firsthand. It's been wonderful."

Ike and its carrier strike group are deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

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