Sailors from San Diego-based cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) participated in a community service event at an orphanage in Lima, Peru, during a scheduled port visit, April 27.

Crew members interacted with children, handed out candy and distributed donated sleepwear at the Perez Aranibar Orphanage.

"You get to go to a place where you're not going to see every day, and you get to do something that makes a difference," said Fire Controlman 1st Class Bronson Pettit.

The opportunity to participate had a very personal meaning for one crew member.

"I grew up as a foster kid and I lived in environments like these, so it was interesting to see it from the other end of giving donations, playing with the kids and making them happy," said Cryptologic Technician (Interpretive) 3rd Class Erin Holloway.

Lt. Aman Grant, Lake Champlain's chaplain, was also moved by the experience.

"We all just witnessed kids being extremely excited over pajamas, underwear and socks," said Grant. "One kid who looked up at me and asked, 'Why am I getting so many socks?' It gives you perspective."

Lake Champlain is a multi-mission platform operated by more than 350 crew members and capable of air warfare, undersea warfare, naval surface fire support and surface warfare.

The cruiser recently participated in Silent Forces Exercise 2018 with the Peruvian and Colombian navies. Prior to its mission to South America, the guided-missile cruiser deployed as part of the Carl Vinson Strike Group, which completed a historic visit to Vietnam in March.

For more news from USS Carl Vinson CVN 70, visit www.navy.mil/.