Sailors assigned to Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam (CG 54) participated in a community relations (COMREL) event at The Genesis School for Special Education, June 27.

The school provides full-time and resource educational services to students with special needs, including language delay, language disorder, autism, Asperger syndrome, attention deficit disorder, and developmental delay.

During the event Sailors interacted with the school's students and staff. The Sailors played games with the children, accompanied them to the park, and helped the staff feed them lunch.

"When we are underway I really miss my own children," said Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Kenny Park. "Not only was this an opportunity to help out, but it was just great to be around the kids."

Before the Sailors left for the day, the students performed a dance routine to music for them.

"They were so cute," said Sonar Technician (Surface) 2nd Class Christina Mason. "It was awesome that they took the time to put that together for us."

Antietam is on patrol with the George Washington Carrier Strike Group in the 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.