DECEMBER 2, 201,6 CHINHAE, Korea (NNS) – Commander, Fleet Activities Chinhae (CFAC) is the small, overseas command 2016 Navy Project Good Neighbor Community Service Flag Award winner.
This announcement, made through naval message Nov. 23, marks the fourth consecutive year for CFAC to be recognized for their year-round volunteer-supported programs and special outreach projects.
“We have many terrific Sailors in Chinhae donating their time, day in and day out to help our local community,” said Cmdr. Terry McNamara, the commander of Fleet Activities Chinhae.” This award is a testament to those Sailors, who are doing good deeds for their own sake, and to help strengthen the already warm relationship we have with our local community. Our Sailors take pride in the relationships they have built through regular visits to local schools, orphanages, and homes.”
The Project Good Neighbor Award recognizes the best year-round volunteer supported program or special project that promotes outreach activities and the selection distinguished CFAC as one of the Navy’s premier installations by providing Sailors and their families opportunities to enhance their relationships with the Republic of Korea (ROK) citizens.
“This is the fourth year in a row that our CFAC Sailors have earned this award,” said Navy Chaplain Lt. Zachary Zumwalt, the program coordinator for CFAC’s community relations programs. “I see the dedication and energy each Sailor brings to helping the community so I could not be more pleased to see their volunteerism and impact recognized by the Navy.”
CFAC Sailors executed hundreds of good neighbor projects, outreach programs, and integration initiatives with local agencies. They volunteered at various local orphanages, elderly homes, schools, and universities, cultivating relationships with ROK neighbors.
While accounting for less than one percent of U.S. service members stationed in the Republic of Korea, CFAC personnel along with deployed Navy units provided more than 15 percent of all Good Neighbor Program activity for United States Forces Korea during 2016.
The goal of the Navy Community Service Program, launched in 1992 by then-CNO Adm. Frank B. Kelso, is to foster and nurture community ties with the Navy and promote volunteerism while developing better naval leaders through experience in the program.
The program consists of five flagships, including the Health, Safety, and Fitness Flagship, Personal Excellence Partnership Flagship, Project Good Neighbor Flagship, Campaign Drug-Free Flagship and Environmental Stewardship Flagship. A separate Navy command sponsors and administers each flagship.
Located on the southeastern coast of the Republic of Korea, Commander Fleet Activities Chinhae is the only U.S. Navy installation on Asia’s mainland, providing service and operational support to the fleet and strengthening the U.S.-Republic of Korea alliance.
By Petty Officer 1st Class Jason Swink, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Korea Public Affairs.