Sailors assigned to the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) participated in two community service projects at Omura Kodomo Children's Home, Feb. 8, and at the Kainan-so Nursing Home, Feb. 25.

Omura Children's Home is a care facility for orphaned or abandoned children.

The team worked with the staff and residents with tasks around the home and played games such as volleyball, soccer, basketball, and badminton with the children and staff.

"I think this was an awesome experience," said Ensign Leanne Bivens, the main propulsion division officer aboard Germantown. "It was a time for us to relax and to learn more about our cultures."

Sailors also spent a day at the Kainan-so Nursing Home with more than 50 senior citizens in Sasebo to improve the bond among Sailors and the older generation of Japanese citizens.

They spent the day helping the nursing home staff and sharing in conversations with the residents. Even though there was a language barrier, the residents did not mind as they genuinely enjoyed the company and assistance of our Sailors.

"Working at the elderly home was pretty neat," said Alana Connell, Germantown's medical officer. "It was rewarding to be able to help the elderly, even when most of it was only giving them our attention and time."

Germantown is forward-deployed to Sasebo, Japan and is currently undergoing a drydock ship restricted availability.

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