USS Michigan Sailors Lend Helping Hands at West Hills STEM Academy

Sailors assigned to the Ohio-class nuclear-powered guided missile submarine USS Michigan (SSGN 727) took a break from their daily duties to partner with West Hills STEM Academy for a volunteer project, Nov. 17.

Sailors from the Michigan participated in building playground equipment for students as part of efforts to improve the school’s playground area. They were more than happy to be on school grounds as their volunteer efforts help bring this playground project to life. Electrician’s Mate (Nuclear) 3rd Class Legacy Terrell, volunteer coordinator, helped her command to “adopt” West Hills STEM Academy as part of the “Partners in Education” program. For her, volunteering at the school is a proud reminder of her call to serve in the Navy.

“Volunteering gives us a sense of why we joined – for me, this means wanting to serve to make a difference,” said Terrell. “It’s a great feeling to be able to take a break from working on maintenance and qualifications to come see kids smile from your help. We are grateful to have a great crew and supportive chain of command who make sure we can come here and give back.”

Electrician’s Mate (Nuclear) 3rd Class Sylvia Delbono also expressed gratitude in being able to give back to the local community in which they live and serve.

“Volunteering means a lot to me because it gives me the chance to connect with the community I am stationed within,” Delbono said. “I get to provide much needed support to these schools they wouldn’t be able to otherwise have.”

Rebecca McLenithan, a school liaison for Naval Base Kitsap, explained that these kinds of volunteer efforts are an important part of the Navy’s ongoing partnership with their local communities and a mutually beneficial experience for Sailors and students.

“Participating volunteers from NBK often find the opportunity to give back to the community, and to be positive role models for our youth to be very fulfilling,” said McLenithan. “Taking time to volunteer can help bolster mental health, and many Sailors appreciate the opportunity to continue volunteering in ways that truly impact the students in the school.”

NBK’s school liaisons work with local commands and schools to find ways that Sailors can fulfill unmet needs, and provide volunteer support for activities and events in the schools.

Commands interested in partnering with a local school as part of the “Partners in Education” program can contact the NBK School Liaison office at (360) 340-2824 or at nbk.slo.cnrnw@navy.mil.

Homeported at Naval Base Kitsap, the USS Michigan (SSGN 727) is the second submarine of the Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and guided missile submarines (SSGNs), and the third U.S. Navy ship to bear the name.

Naval Base Kitsap serves to support the Navy by providing reliable and timely base operating services for our ships, submarines, and shore commands in Bangor, Bremerton, Keyport and Manchester. NBK provides critical services, programs and facilities that meet the needs of hosted war-fighting commands and installation employees supporting and enhancing Fleet, Fighter and Family readiness. NBK will continue to be the best place to serve in the Navy.