MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – US Ambassador to Jamaica, the Honorable Brenda LaGrange Johnson, visited a Montego Bay children’s home on Monday, March 19 in order to speak to US Navy sailors involved in a community relations project at the home.
Thirty sailors from USS Carney participated in a three-day project at the Blossom Gardens Children’s Home. Sailors cleaned the home, repainted the kitchen, and built a new wall that will eventually be part of a much-needed addition.
The Ambassador’s visit was the highlight of the day and emphasized the importance of Americans and Jamaicans working together to achieve common goals. Ambassador Johnson praised the work of the home’s staff as she walked among the younger children, who were busy coloring, and the babies, asleep in their cribs. The Ambassador was clearly moved by the tour and promised that although this was her first visit, this would not be the last.
She also made special mention of the Carney sailors, stating that the home was “lucky to have USS Carney here.” The sailors, who volunteered to give up some of their shore leave to work at the home, found the experience particularly rewarding. “It really felt like we were doing something positive. It felt like we were making a difference,” said Personnel Specialist Seaman Derek Bernal of Lubbok, Texas.
The Carney’s Commanding Officer presented a plaque inscribed with the ship’s crest to the home’s manager and cited the hard work of the crew. “This is a recognition of Carney sailors who spent some of their vacation time making the school a better place,” said Commander Pat Shea, the ship’s Commanding Officer.
USS Carney is visiting Jamaica as part of an effort to increase security and cooperation between the United States and Caribbean nations.
The ship has participated in a number of activities, including training with the Jamaican Coast Guard. USS Carney is an Arleigh Burke class destroyer based out of Mayport, Florida.
