Sailors assigned to Harpers Ferry-class dock landing ship USS Oak Hill (LSD 51) worked alongside U.S. Army and Panamanian military members during a community relations (COMREL) project at a local elementary school in West Panama June 25.

Sailors volunteered to travel to Escuela Jesus de los Pores Elementary School in Arraijan -- a city neighboring Rodman, Panama, where Oak Hill is ported -- to repair a portion of the roof and replace ceiling tiles in several classrooms.

"This was a great experience and a great opportunity to interact with Panamanian nationals and to serve Panamanian children," said Lt. Greg Woodard, command chaplain of Oak Hill. "The COMREL was very important, and we were able to give back to a community that was very appreciative of our support."

Woodard collaborated with Office of Defense Cooperation's Maritime Operations Officer U.S. Army Capt. Salvadore Arias to identify a school that needed assistance; with a leaky roof and dilapidated ceiling tiles Escuela Jesus de los Pores was a great candidate.

"The schools in this area lack resources to support repairs," noted Arias. "I met with a representative from the school district to locate schools that were in need of support."

Oak Hill Sailors and service members from the Panama National Service of Air Force and Navy worked nonstop until the job was fully complete, ensuring no mess was left behind. Once they completed the job, Oak Hill Sailors met with students who came in on a Saturday to meet U.S. Sailors.

"Man, today's COMREL was an eye-opener," said Hull Maintenance Technician 2nd Class John Franks, one of the Oak Hill volunteers. "I feel great helping somebody to achieve a better way of life. Who knew such small things mean so much and would be so appreciated."

After meeting with the students and cleaning up, school Principal Leticia Romero presented the Oak Hill Sailors and Panama National Service of Air Force and Navy members with a homemade lunch of baked chicken, rice and lentils.

To commemorate the recent expansion of the Panama Canal, Oak Hill is conducting a port visit in Rodman, Panama to host a reception with local officials and diplomats from the U.S. and trade partners. While in Panama, the crew also aims to build relationships and provide a lasting positive impact on the local community through COMREL projects like this.

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