Sailors of USS Robert G. Bradley (FFG 49) and Maritime Civil Affairs and Security Training (MCAST) Command participated in an Africa Partnership Station (APS) West community relations project during their visit to Freetown, Sierra Leone, March 11, 2011.

Sailors volunteered their time at the Christian Faith Rescue Orphanage in Freetown, providing assistance through construction projects which included demolition and carpentry.

The three-day community relations projects began with U.S. and Sierra Leonean sailors removing walls made of fiber board and branches, and constructing six classrooms in order to provide a better learning environment for the 650 kids that attend classes at the orphanage.

"I joined the Navy so I could help others. Volunteering my time to help these kids was more than worth it," said Petty Officer 3rd Class Matthew Layton. "I've seen what they have and I feel grateful to be able make a small difference here."

APS also provided school supplies and Project Handclasp donations to the orphanage.

"These supplies will help us greatly," said Honorable Reverend Marie Yanseneh, founder of the orphanage. "We receive no government funds and work mostly from donations."

Yanseneh thanked the volunteers for their help and provided a tour of her school to Captain Susan Dunlap, director of the Africa Regional Engagement Group at U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa.

"The sailors had a blast helping and playing soccer with the kids," said Dunlap. "I think success of the project is seen on the faces of the kids, and that's what pleases me most of all. We're proud to be helping here."

APS is an international security cooperation initiative, facilitated by Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa, aimed at strengthening global maritime partnerships through training and collaborative activities in order to improve maritime safety and security in Africa.