Deputy Chaplain Lt. Patrick McPartland is providing opportunities for Sailors to participate in extracurricular activities in the local community to promote camaraderie aboard the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6).

McPartland schedules biweekly museum visits for Sailors to explore the San Diego area for free and learn about the rich culture the museums offer.

"I heard about free resident Tuesday at Balboa Park," said McPartland. "I think it's a great opportunity to get out for a day. If you grab a couple of friends, you can make an afternoon out of it."

San Diego has many options for Sailors that are little to no cost. Balboa Park offers a variety of attractions, such as the Museum of Natural History, the Air and Space Museum, the Japanese Friendship Garden and the San Diego Zoo.

"This allows me to see the sights and drive around and discover new things to do," said Quartermaster Seaman Tayler Simpkins. "I found new places to eat and things to do with friends."

McPartland said he believes that these types of activities promote good habits that Sailors can share with friends and family.

"A lot of people are new to the area and I thought this could be a way to introduce something positive and cultural," the chaplain said. "I thought I would offer Sailors a chance to go, and hopefully they would take advantage of these things on their own."

McPartland encourages Sailors to get out, explore and enjoy what the area has to offer them. He said that there are many more free things for Sailors to do, but it's up to them to get out there and look.

For more news from USS America (LHA 6), visit www.navy.mil/local/lha6/