By Mass Communications Specialist 2nd J.T. Bolestridge

PUERTO CASTILLA – Sailors from the guided-missile frigate USS Kauffman (FFG 59), worked with Honduran sailors and civilians to renovate a school complex in Puerto Castilla, Honduras Sept. 21.

The renovation was part of a complete a large scale Community Relations (COMREL) project at the “Centro De Educación Basic” (Center for Basic Education).  

The COMREL project teamed over 40 volunteers from Puerto Castilla, the Honduran Navy, Destroyer Squadron Four Zero (DESRON 40), Kaufman, and the embarked Helicopter Squadron Light 42 (HSL-42)/

Specialist David Calix, a Honduran Sailor and COMREL participant, said that the teamwork between the U.S. and Hondurans was inspiring.

“I welcome the partnership between our Navy, the U.S. Navy, and the people of Puerto Castilla,” said Calix.  “My involvement motivates me in my personal commitment to be part of a winning team.”

During the day-long project, the 44-man multi-national team painted the entire exterior of the schoo l-- four separate buildings -- totaling over 8,000 square feet.  Hilda Marina Baregas, the “Centro De Educación Basic” Principal, said that the efforts of the volunteers who painted the school would not soon be forgotten.

“Your generous help has lifted our spirits and encouraged us to continue to work for the improvement of our children.  This event will always be in our hearts and recorded in the history of our school,” said Baregas.  “On behalf of our children, staff, Puerto Castilla and the country of Honduras I offer my deepest thanks.”

In addition to the funds normally available for a COMREL project, additional supplies were purchased through donations made by the American Embassy in Honduras and HAP funds. 

“This is my first COMREL ever.  Everyone here was fully engaged in this task and we covered a lot of work very quickly,” said Ensign Tim Mottlau, a Kauffman volunteer.  “I’m sure this quality of dedication will make a difference in the lives of the children.”

Francis Salgado, a school teacher at the “Centro De Educacion Basic” agreed wholeheartedly with Mottlau.

“I’ve experienced two other COMRELs before this one and all of them have been tremendous blessings to this educational center,” said Salgado.  “Our children, of course, benefit the most. Our government often cannot fully fund all our needs.  So, we are more than grateful for your help and we will always welcome and remember you with fondness.”

USS Kauffman and HSL-42 are assigned to Destroyer Squadron 40 (DESRON 40) and are currently deployed in support of Partnership of the Americas 2008 (POA 08) operations which are being held Apr.-Oct. throughout South America, Central America and the Caribbean.  POA 08 emphasizes interoperability and cooperation between U.S. and partner nation’s maritime forces through a variety of exercises and events.