Seventeen Sailors and Marines of the amphibious dock landing ship USS Rushmore (LSD 47) and embarked 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) visited with local children during a scheduled port visit to Manado, Indonesia, June 7.

Rushmore is only the second U.S. Navy ship to visit Manado in the past three years.

These Sailors and Marines were the first American visitors to the orphanage and spent their day singing, dancing and playing games.

"A lot of work and planning went into this opportunity, and we're so thankful we were directed to Panti Bakti Mulia Orphanage," said Chaplain Brian Gibbons, who coordinated the event for Rushmore. "The last time a U.S. ship visited Manado was USNS Mercy in 2012."

According to Brandes Lasut, an English teacher who helped coordinate and translate for the event, Panti Bakti Mulia Orphanage is home to approximately 55 children with a staff of eight people. Lasut said being able to have a day with 17 extra playmates made the children very excited.

"The children are very, very happy that these Sailors and Marines could play with them and dance with them," said Lasut. "It's very rare."

According to Lasut, the children of Bakti Mulia get most of their visitors during the winter holiday season, so Rushmore's visit during the summer time was even more special.

The children weren't the only ones having their days brightened by the warm summer visit. For one Rushmore Sailor, the fun in the sun was the perfect way to feel at home overseas.

"This has been an amazing experience," said Logistics Specialist Seaman Chris Smith. "This is my favorite thing I did before the Navy. I was a summer camp counselor for kids, and being able to play soccer and laugh with these kids is great. This is what I love to do - I can't think of a better way to spend my time here."

The Sailors, Marines, children and orphanage staff parted ways with smiles, last-minute group photos and hugs after sharing songs, dances and games from both countries, as well as eating fresh coconut and other local foods.

Rushmore is currently on a regularly-scheduled deployment with the Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), which consists of Rushmore, USS Essex (LHD 2), USS Anchorage (LPD 23) and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU).

The Essex ARG/MEU is deployed in support of maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations.

For more news from USS Essex (LHD 2), visit www.navy.mil/.