The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) hosted representatives from the City of San Diego on Friday for a mayoral proclamation declaring Dec. 9, 2016 as USS Theodore Roosevelt Day in San Diego in honor of the crew’s completion of more than 30,000 hours of community service in 2016.
The City of San Diego values Theodore Roosevelt’s volunteer efforts at approximately $1,000,000 in saved labor and equipment costs, which amounts to more than 214 full-time work weeks. Theodore Roosevelt contributed towards different volunteer efforts for the City of San Diego, Park and Recreation Department and non-profit organizations.
“On behalf of the City of San Diego, we would like to offer our sincerest thanks to the crew of the USS Theodore Roosevelt for the outstanding service they provided to the communities through their volunteer efforts,” said Herman Parker, Director of Park and Recreation for the City of San Diego. “The crew was able to complete thousands of hours of needed projects, and it is gratifying to know our military not only serves our country with distinction and honor, but our community as well. Their efforts instill a sense of civic pride and stewardship, and we look forward to continuing to work with organizations large and small interested in giving back to their community through volunteerism.”
Contributions from approximately 2,500 Sailors included community engagement, promoting health and nutrition, landscape beautification, parks safety, Veteran outreach, and youth mentoring and empowerment.
Petty Officer 3rd Class Jennifer Lewis participated in several community relations events in 2016 and appreciated the opportunity to work alongside her shipmates to help the community. “I think it helps build morale and we need that with all the upcoming time at sea,” said Lewis. “It makes me proud to be a part of the Theodore Roosevelt because there are so many opportunities to volunteer and help different communities.”
Theodore Roosevelt’s Command Religious Ministries Department (CRMD) organized the community relations events for the Sailors. Lt. Cmdr. Reinel Castro, a chaplain aboard Theodore Roosevelt, was very passionate about providing opportunities for Sailors to leave the worries of work behind to have fun while doing something service oriented. “This is great for us to come and work to help beautify the communities that we live in,” said Castro. “Our children go to school in these communities, our spouses have jobs in these communities, so this is another way to be a part of the community.”
Capt. Craig Clapperton, commanding officer of Theodore Roosevelt, authorized community relations events in place of work days and encouraged Sailors to attend. “I’m extremely proud of the contributions our Sailors have made in our new homeport of San Diego,” said Clapperton. “During our first year in San Diego while our maintenance availability was ongoing, it was important to provide an opportunity for our Sailors to come together as a crew, as a family, and to positively impact our new community. It’s an honor to have a crew with so many motivated and enthusiastic individuals giving back for the greater good. The Sailors of Theodore Roosevelt have proven with their selfless acts that they proudly serve their nation and their community.”
