Sailors assigned to guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) visited the Regional Institute for Active Learning (RIA) to participate in a community relations (COMREL) project, Aug. 15.

RIA is a nonprofit organization that provides year-round schooling for children with communication and developmental disorders.

After nearly 60 days at sea, the Sailors dedicated their liberty time to mentoring children. They participated in several activities including dancing, swimming, yoga and various arts and crafts projects.

Lt. Mark Cook, a Navy chaplain assigned to San Jacinto, coordinated the project.

"COMRELS are a great opportunity for us and our hosts to experience one another's culture," Cook said. "We were able to share our time and learn from each other. The children really appreciated the simple acts of coloring together, talking about their favorite stories and playing games. Any concern that we wouldn't be accepted quickly vanished as soon as the crayons came out."

COMREL projects provide a special opportunity for military members to learn about the local community, experience different cultures, and ultimately develop a foundation for continued relations between countries.

"The children welcomed us and were excited to play," Electronics Technician 3rd Class Eric Meise said. "Being there reminded me of why I am on deployment and why we strive to develop relationships with other countries."

Ship-sponsored COMREL events are available during most visits to foreign ports.

"I would definitely encourage every Sailor to try to join a COMREL," Cook said. "COMRELS are cross-culture experiences that change your perspective."

San Jacinto, assigned to the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (Ike CSG), is deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, maritime security operations and theater security operation efforts in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations.

Ike CSG, the centerpiece of the Great Green Fleet initiative, is comprised of aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 10 staff, the squadrons and staff of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 3, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 26 staff, guided-missile cruisers San Jacinto and USS Monterey (CG 61), and guided-missile destroyers USS Stout (DDG 55), USS Roosevelt (DDG 80), USS Mason (DDG 87) and USS Nitze (DDG 94).

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For more news from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), visit www.navy.mil/.