Sailors from the US Seventh Fleet, aboard the USS Blue Ridge, recently engaged in a community service initiative at Marist Convent School in Lami, Fiji. Approximately 30 US Navy personnel teamed up with members of the Fijian Navy to improve the school’s outdoor spaces by participating in landscaping activities, including weeding and trash removal.
Rear Admiral Kyle Gantt, the deputy commander of the US Seventh Fleet, emphasized the significance of this collaboration. He remarked on the longstanding friendship between the US and Fiji, underlining the importance of building relationships not only in military operations but also through community engagement. “It was particularly special to see our navies also working alongside one another volunteering in the community here in Suva,” Admiral Gantt said.
This initiative aligns with the US Navy’s broader commitment to foster strong ties in the Indo-Pacific region through various outreach efforts, echoing previous engagements aimed at enhancing security cooperation. The USS Blue Ridge has been actively involved in similar outreach activities, bridging connections through sports and community service, fostering camaraderie between the US and Fijian forces.
One sailor, Chief Personnel Specialist Thinh Le, reflected positively on the experience, noting, “It’s always good to show the children, no matter where you’re from, to come together and work towards a goal.” The beautification efforts made a notable impact, as expressed by Sister Kalala Taufa, a teacher at the school, who thanked the sailors for their hard work and expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations.
As the US and Fijian navies continue to strengthen their partnership and community engagement, these shared experiences promise to cultivate enduring relationships and a collaborative spirit, highlighting a hopeful future for cooperation in the Pacific region.
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