MANAMA, Bahrain (Oct. 8, 2015)- Sailors from Command, U.S. Naval Forces Central, (COMUSNAVCENT) volunteered their afternoon to deliver $600 worth of much needed supplies to a local school while learning something new about the community they both work and live.

U.S. Navy Community Relation (COMREL) programs are good ways for Sailors to get acclimated to their new environment while leaning about different cultures and providing needed assistance to the local populations.

"COMRELs, first foster goodwill which is great for the community," said Chief Religious Program Specialist Cecilia Marrero, COMUSNAVCENT's Fleet Command Religious COMREL coordinator.

The American Cultural & Education Center (ACEC) is a United States program sponsored by the U.S. Embassy that offers low income Bahraini students the opportunity to improve their English proficiency skills in hopes of studying aboard.

Sailors who participated in this COMREL learned that education can empower students to strive for higher achievements if given the opportunity.

Logistic Specialist 2nd Class Tobias Jenkins, from COMUSNAVCENT supply department, has participated in a few COMREL's during his tour in Bahrain and describes them as an interesting experience for him.

"I just wanted to help out, but I definitely learned a lot about the locals," said Jenkins. "I had a good time."

The Bahrain ACEC also provides women empowerment classes to help women improve their English speaking skills and business styles to better equip them for employment or starting their own business.

Sailors presented the students with topic and key points about American culture followed by discussion questions that get students to speak in conversational English.

Logistics Specialist 2nd Class Irish Stone, COMUSNAVCENT Junior Sailor of the quarter(3rd Quarter) says community relations is just not a wicket on her annual evaluation, but a part of her upbringing and that she really enjoys helping people out who are really is in need of assistance.

"Since I was a child my family has always served our community," said Stone. "My parents always took my siblings and me to church to cook and feed the less fortunate."

Community service never failed to give LS2 Stone a reality check in life and has always humbled her from those experiences. "It also gives me a sense of optimism and Joy," said Stone.

U.S. Naval Force Central Command/Commander, U.S. 5th Fleet is responsible for 2.5 million square miles of area including the Arabian Gulf, Sea of Oman, Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and parts of the Indian Ocean and 20 countries.

For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.cusnc.navy.mil/.


For more news from Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/5th Fleet, visit www.cusnc.navy.mil/.