India Press Releases

U.S. Sailors And Marines Engage In Community Service During Mumbai Port Visit

November 1, 2006

MUMBAI --During their port visit to Mumbai, India on November 1 and 2, more than 100 Sailors and Marines from Boxer Expeditionary Strike Group (BOXESG) will travel to Patan village in Lonavala, to participate in Habitat for Humanity’s Jimmy Carter Work Project (JCWP) India 2006. 

The JCWP is an annual project led by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn.  The Sailors and Marines will join more than 2,000 volunteers from across the world to take part in building homes in partnership with low-income families from the area.

            During previous visits to India, the U.S. Navy donated medical supplies, sewing machines and books to The Trust of Nanu Nagle School for the Poor and refurbished Bal Bhavan Children’s Center’s auditorium in Goa.

Former President’s Carter connection to the Navy—he is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and served as a naval officer for 7 years—makes this community service project particularly special to the participants.

The BOXESG’s participation also continues U.S. Government involvement in Habitat for Humanity’s work in the region.  In the spring of 2006, 35 U.S. Consulate volunteers—both Indian and American staff, led by U.S. Consul General Michael Owen and his wife Annerieke Owen—spent four Saturdays working on a 100-house project in the flood-devastated village of Kalyan.  Annerieke Owen is also spending the entire week in Patan as a JCWP volunteer.

            The U.S. Navy has a longstanding commitment to assisting allies with community relations projects.  During its port visit to Singapore October 12-16, 2006, BOXESG helped a career skills training center with gardening and yard work, and supported a beach clean-up.

            The U.S. Navy has an ongoing commitment to provide humanitarian relief to those in need throughout the world.

Background on the BOXESG

The USS Boxer is the flag ship for the BOXESG, which is further comprised of Amphibious Squadron 5, the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, USS Dubuque (LPD 8), USS Comstock (LSD 45), USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), USS Benfold (DDG 65) USS Howard (DDG 83), USCG Midgett (WHEC 726), and the Canadian frigate HMCS Ottawa.  The BOXESG operates out of San Diego and reports operationally to Commander, Expeditionary Strike Group (ESG) 7/ Task Force (CTF) 76, the Navy’s only forward-deployed amphibious task force.

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