JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR, HI - Sailors assigned to the Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS North Carolina, (SSN 777), volunteered to help clean and renovate Navy Hale Keiki School.
Lead by Chief Electronics Technician (Sel) (SS) Justin Brown and Yeoman 1st Class (SS) Kawon Harrington, Sailors from the North Carolina crew cleaned and painted the entire school over weekends in July and August.
The submarine crew will carry on their relationship with the school through future volunteer opportunities, including student tutoring, mentoring and cosmetic improvements to the school.
"I’m very appreciative to the North Carolina for taking their Saturdays to come and help paint," said Courtney Brown, a teacher at Hale Keiki.
Brown said the school has received many complements about how great the paint and school looked.
Along with the glowing smiles of the kids and staff at the school, Sailors felt a sense of achievement after taking part in renovating the school.
"I love connecting with the community," said Harrington. "I think the most important thing is looking around and seeing what we are accomplishing for the school and our community."
The North Carolina recently entered an extended in port period and its Sailors were looking for opportunities to help their communities.
"We are fortunate to have the opportunity to help our local schools, said JR O’Donnell, North Carolina Chief of the Boat. “It is an honor to help provide for a better environment for our Sailor’s children to enjoy learning.
O’Donnell said the crew looks forward to more opportunities to assist the school and provide the students with an exceptional and unique learning environment.