Sailors assigned to forward-deployed submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) visited San Pedro Central School of Puerto Princesa to share knowledge and spend time with local youth, June 16.

The Frank Cable team, consisting of more than 500 Sailors and civilian mariners, is currently deployed to provide vital flexibility to fleet commanders, extending the range and impact of U.S. naval forces.

Sailors divided into groups and visited each fifth and sixth-grade classroom in the school to share knowledge, interact and play games with students.

"For the Sailors and the recipients, COMRELs (community relations) are lasting moments," said Frank Cable's Command Master Chief Paul Sweeney. "Each and every one of them makes a positive cultural and personal exchange that will create some of the fondest memories from their Navy experience."

Sailors and students got creative in making their experience original. Storytelling could be heard throughout the schoolhouse, along with motivated cheers, students sharing knowledge of the sea, and the ruckus of team games between Sailors and students.

"I look forward to the opportunity to get involved with youth around the world because I'm not just giving," said Navy Counselor 1st Class Wilfredo Rivera Jr., a native of Baltimore. "I'm receiving an unforgettable experience."

After classroom time, everyone gathered in the recreation area to get active. Sailors and students played duck, duck, goose; shot basketballs; play-marched around the schoolhouse and teamed up for fitness competitions. Children could be seen smiling, laughing and high-fiving Sailors throughout the day.

"The reaction the kids have, their smiles and intense energy to participate and compete as a team to meet the immediate goal, is motivating," said Rivera. "I value spending time with these kids because they remind me to compete with myself and to bring others with me when I experience success."

Frank Cable leadership puts high value in learning and sharing culture, and leaving positive, lasting impressions on each community they visit.

"COMRELs are an important part of establishing healthy partnerships between the U.S. and our host nations," said Sweeney. "I am excited to see our junior Sailors take advantage of COMRELS where they get to experience other cultures and act as ambassadors for the Navy and the United States."

Frank Cable, one of two forward-deployed submarine tenders homeported in Guam, is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to conduct maintenance and support of deployed U.S. naval force submarines and surface vessels in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

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