COMREL Brings Fresh Coat of Paint to South African School

Stephen W. Groves and South African sailors participate in a Joint COMREL

U.S. Naval Forces Europe, 6th Fleet Public Affairs

Petty Officer 2nd Class Tony Carter, musician, assigned to U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band "Brass Band" performs for children at the Buckroad Primary School in Lotus River. The concert was part of a joint South African and United States community relations project. (U.S. Navy Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class William Jamieson)

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class William Jamieson

LOTUS RIVER, South Africa - USS Stephen W. Groves and South African Sailors participated in a community relations project at the Buck Road Primary School in Lotus River, South Africa, Feb. 15.

During the COMREL the sailors joined forces to give the school much needed coat of paint and continue the strong a healthy working partnership between South Africa and the United States.

“In the U.S. we have so much to be thankful for,” said Cmdr. Matthew S. Rick, commander officer Stephen W. Groves. “It is always a great thing for the ship’s crew to be able to extend those blessings to other countries. To work jointly with the South African navy as a team on this project made the whole experience even more rewarding.”

Ms. Gurardine Herbet, the school principal, mentioned that the school had faced many difficulties with funding and crime in the area, and that volunteers such as the sailors from the South African and United States navies help keep the school running.

“They [the South African and United States navies] have given us the start we need to accomplish more with the facilities we have,” said Herbert. “To see the school painted will improve the morale among the teachers, parents and students. Our teachers work tirelessly to ensure our students receive the best possible education. Without volunteers we wouldn’t be able to provide the crucial services we now offer or even upkeep for our facilities.”

Seaman Apprentice Juan J. Felix, boatswain's mate, assigned to USS Stephen W. Groves, paints the Buckroad Primary School in Lotus River as part of a joint South African and United States community relations project. (U.S. Navy Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class William Jamieson)

Buck Road Primary School was opened in 1973 and currently has more than 750 students enrolled from kindergarten to 7th grade.

“I hope people see that the U.S. tries to help their neighbors,” said Herbert. “You don’t always hear the positive things U.S. troops do around the world, but we are very thankful they came to Buckroad and hope they can visit South Africa again.”

For many of the sailors from Stephen W. Groves the positive experience of this COMREL event left them wanting to do more.

“This was my first COMREL with the Navy,” said Petty Officer 2nd Class Christopher M. Neef, information systems technician. “It felt good to be able meet and help the kids. I’ve already contacted my church and we are going to try and get more supplies to them. Helping people is why I joined the Navy, and it feels good to get to do something like this where you can see the good you are doing.”

South African and USS Stephen W. Groves sailors work together to paint the Buckroad Primary School in Lotus River as part of a joint community relations project. (U.S. Navy Photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class William Jamieson)

Stephen W. Groves, an Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate, is homeported out of Mayport, Fla., and visited South Africa to strengthen the military partnership between South African and the United States naval forces through joint-military exercises and training.