The crew of the Military Sealift Command (MSC) fleet replenishment oiler USNS Pecos (T-AO 197) embarked on a community outreach event at a local orphanage during a recent scheduled port visit to Sriracha.

The orphanage is dedicated to the caring of displaced children, orphans and children rescued from the sex slave industry.

"Overall it was a highly successful opportunity to spread goodwill and compassion on behalf of the American people, Military Sealift Command and the U.S. Navy," said civilian mariner Capt. Robert Sylvester, master of the Pecos.

The crew of the Pecos visited the Child Protection & Development Center (CPDC) after voluntarily raising enough funds to purchase hygienic items, toys and snacks to give to about 60 children who range in age from 4 to 17.

"As mariners, we find ourselves traveling the world, but we don't always have an opportunity to absorb the culture or help the local community while we are transferring cargo," said Midshipman Nina Demet, a deck cadet at USNS Pecos. "This experience was both educational and humbling for members on board the USNS Pecos. I am glad we were able to make a difference."

The idea of the community outreach event was the initiative of Cargo Boatswain Evan J. Hastings and had the support of the entire crew. Hastings had been involved in similar events in the past and coordinated with Peter Thorand, the President of the Navy League Siam. Thorand advised Hastings on the type of donations that would benefit the children.

"First we got 60 bars of soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc., and during the evening and next day the cadets put together 60 quart-size plastic bags with one of each item for distribution to the kids," said Sylvester. "We then made a second set of bags filled with candies of every sort, which was a great hit."

Demet and Engine Cadet Robert C. Zagaja purchased toy items such as teddy bears, yo-yo's, kites, action figures, hula-hoops, Frisbees and soccer balls.

Through the evening and into the next day the two cadets sorted and repackaged everything into boxes for easy transport to the center.

"We spent about four hours at the center. During that time we were given a tour of the facilities and met the children, passed out the toys and goodies, and simply marveled at their delight," Sylvester said. "We played games, threw Frisbees, flew kites, kicked the soccer ball around, demonstrated the use of the yo-yo and overall had a great time."

According to Sylvester, although he has been to Thailand many times in the past, this was the first time he had experienced such an event.

"For me personally this was an important event and one that I plan on duplicating in the future during return visits to Thailand and any other country that has similar facilities in need," said Sylvester. "For the volunteers it was a rewarding experience to help those in need and lifted the morale of those who donated after learning of the experience and seeing the pictures (of the event)."

MSC operates approximately 115 non-combatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed U.S. forces and coalition partners.

For more news from Commander, Task Force 73, visit www.navy.mil/.