TUMON, Guam - Ten Sailors from the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53) took part in a community relations project (COMREL) at Guam Memorial Hospital, Feb. 15.

Guam Memorial Hospital is the island’s only public hospital and serves the entire community without regard for their ability to pay.

“COMREL helps improve the relationships that local cultures have with the Navy,” said Chief Hospital Corpsman Jason Snyder. “The Navy is present all over the world, and COMREL sheds light on some of the things we can do to help them that might otherwise be overlooked.”

During the day, Sailors cut back overgrown vegetation around the property and painted recently renovated sections of the hospital.

“I wanted to make a positive difference in people's lives, no matter how small,” said Cryptologic Technician (Technical) 2nd Class Jason Keeney. “I feel like we could always do more, but the staff of the hospital was very grateful and appreciative of our help. I'm just glad that we were able to lend a helping hand.”

Sailors interacted with hospital staff, administrators, patients, and the staff from Guam’s Lt. Governor, Ray Tenorio’s, office throughout the event.

After the projects were completed, members of the administration at Guam Memorial Hospital presented the group with certificates signed by Tenorio.

“COMREL shows another facet of the Navy,” said Keeney. “We are ambassadors of the U.S. to every port that we visit. We are here to help, and as a military it's our job to protect as well as serve.”