Nearly 45 Sailors assigned to the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) took part in several community relations events on the island of Guam during a scheduled port call, June 6-11.

Organized by Spruance's chaplain, Lt. Chad Hamilton, Sailors took part in the beautification of several local charities and a school. They also visited a home for older citizens, where Sailors sang, danced and shared a meal with residents.

"Being able to provide meaningful service to others provides a feeling of inner satisfaction," Hamilton said. "That was the case at St. Dominic's Senior Care Home. I believe the residents appreciated having Sailors come and interact with them."

A group of nine Sailors took the time to visit St. Dominic's Senior Care Home, June 9. Home to nearly 30 residents ranging in age from 50 to mid-80s, the charity is an assisted-living residence for people from all over Guam, Japan and several nearby Asia-Pacific countries.

For some Sailors, this was their first opportunity to leave the ship and participate as a volunteer in the community.

"I have not been involved in any of these COMREL activities before," said Gas Turbine Systems Technician (Electrical) 3rd Class Eva Mee Gazmin. "It has been rewarding to somehow bring some good tidings in my own small way."

Additionally, groups of Spruance Sailors took the opportunity to improve a thrift store and an elementary school.

"What's nice is how you can see the results of the hard work during the COMREL," said Culinary Specialist 3rd Class Mel Hunter.

Hunter took part in both the St. Dominic's event and a cleanup at Island Girl Power, a charity thrift store that contributes to education and other programs around Guam.

"They do a lot to empower young women, so I was happy we could help them as much as we did," said Hunter.

Spruance recently completed Oceania Maritime Security Initiative with an embarked U.S. Coast Guard detachment and Navy helicopter detachment.

OMSI is a Secretary of Defense program that leverages Department of Defense assets transiting the region to increase the U.S. Coast Guard's maritime domain awareness, ultimately supporting maritime law enforcement operations in Oceania.

Following the Guam port visit, Spruance continued on its scheduled deployment to the 7th Fleet area of operations in support of maritime security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific as part of a U.S. 3rd Fleet Pacific Surface Action Group under Commander, Destroyer Squadron 31.

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