Seabees Promote Education in Local Okinawa School

Story by CECA Jessica J. Pettit – NMCB FORTY Public Affairs

OKINAWA, Japan (Dec. 15, 2011) – Five Seabees from U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) FORTY volunteered to spread Christmas cheer and teach English fundamentals last week at a local school in Okinawa.

Fighting FORTY Seabees traveled to Higa Elementary School for a Community Relations (COMREL) opportunity. NMCB FORTY’S Chaplain Troy Avery and Commander Fleet Activities Okinawa (CFAO) Hiroe Shiroma, a COMREL representative, assembled the event to teach foundations of the English language and to celebrate Christmas.

“They all looked very excited to see us,” said Equipment Operator Constructionman Lauren Zandstra, “I’m definitely hoping we can come back to see them again!”

NMCB FORTY plans on attending more COMRELS to visit the students of Higa. In addition to the Seabees, there were several other U.S. military members from Okinawa volunteering to further the student’s education.

CFAO Commanding Officer Captain Richard Weathers said, “Going to Higa Elementary School regularly is a way of connecting with a new generation of Okinawans, letting them see the true character of the American Sailor and helping them understand that the White Beach Naval Facility is a part of their community, too. It's also a heck of a lot of fun!"

The Seabees taught the 26 children English Christmas phrases, played games, and handed out candy. At the end of the event, one student wrote a note to the volunteers and read it to the class and their guests. The note read:

“Thank you very much for being here today. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”