Thirty-five Sailors attached to USS Emory S. Land (AS 39) participated in a community relations (COMREL) event in the village of Merizo, Guam.

The Sailors were asked by Merizo Mayor Ernest Chalgaraf to help make the community safer by painting a high-traffic bridge to make it more visible to the community.

Chalgaraf expressed his gratitude, addressing Sailors at the beginning of the event.

"Words cannot express the gratitude and appreciation I have for the United States Navy in helping us out with this project," Chalgaraf said. "Thank you all for you coming out here and painting this bridge. You have helped make our community safer by brightening this bridge and making it safer for our people."

Land's Navy chaplain and COMREL officer, Lt. Takana Jefferson, said this COMREL had been in development for nearly 10 months.

"Were very happy to finally be working with our sister village, Merizo," said Jefferson. "It's been a long time in the making. Watching our Sailors and the community partner together is an uplifting experience because it shows the true essence of the Navy's spirit and goodwill."

A variety of Sailors, enlisted and officer, including Guam natives, had one thing in common in helping the community: a duty and responsibility to their host, Guam.

"I'm a native of Guam so not only am I [an] ambassador of the Navy, but I'm providing a service and increasing safety in my community," said Logistics Specialist 3rd Class Jomar Macaraeg. "I'm out here reconnecting with nature. There is so much beauty here; the ocean breeze, the sound of the waves crashing the shore, the trees and the flowers in bloom. It's a joy to be out here with my fellow Sailors and the local community."

Chief Logistics Specialist Bryan Reid said he felt a sense of duty to show the local community that he cares and takes pride in being stationed in Guam.

"We're doing this to give back to the community and to help beautify this village," said Reid. "It's our duty and responsibility to Guam to show that we, the Navy, care about the communities we are in."

"I like working with my shipmates and representing USS Emory S. Land," added Ship's Serviceman Seaman KeAdre Harrisfarmer. "Being a good ambassador to the Guam community is important to me and I try to make it to all COMREL events."

"Community relation events like these help build camaraderie between the crew and the local community," said Ens. Rodway McCloggan, Land's stock control officer. "I enjoy helping the local community ant time I can."

Emory S. Land Sailors' volunteer work continues the U.S. Navy's commitment to cooperation and friendship with communities of Guam.

Emory S. Land provides maintenance, hotel services, and logistical support to submarines and surface ships in the U.S. 5th and 7th Fleet areas of operation.

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